smilefactorydentaltx.com

  • 13330 spring cypress Rd., suite 500 Cypress, TX 77429
  • Mon-Fri 7 am to 6 pm. Sat and Sun 8Am to 4 pm
Request an appointment 
Menu

TMJ Treatment

Relief for Jaw Pain, Headaches, and Bite Disorders in Cypress, Texas

Jaw discomfort can disrupt your day, affect your ability to eat, speak, or sleep, and even lead to chronic headaches. Many of these symptoms stem from TMJ disorders — issues involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull. At Smile Factory Dental, we provide comprehensive TMJ evaluations and personalized treatment plans to restore comfort, function, and balance to your jaw.

Our approach blends advanced diagnostics with proven therapies to help you find lasting relief.

What Is TMJ/TMD?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the body, allowing your jaw to move in multiple directions. When this joint or the surrounding muscles become strained or misaligned, it can lead to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).

TMD can be mild or severe and may arise from:

  • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
  • Bite misalignment
  • Stress-related muscle tension
  • Jaw injury or trauma
  • Arthritis or joint degeneration
  • Airway concerns related to sleep
  • Prior dental work altering bite mechanics

Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

TMJ dysfunction can manifest in many ways. Patients often report:

  • Jaw pain or stiffness
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
  • Limited jaw mobility or “locking”
  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Pain radiating to the neck, ears, or temples
  • Tooth sensitivity or wear from grinding
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Facial soreness or fatigue

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, a TMJ evaluation can help pinpoint the issue.

How We Diagnose TMJ Problems

Because TMJ disorders vary widely, we conduct a detailed assessment to understand your condition thoroughly.

Our evaluation may include:

  • Examination of jaw movement and bite alignment
  • Palpation of facial and jaw muscles
  • Assessment of clicking or joint sounds
  • Screening for bruxism and wear patterns
  • TMJ-related headache analysis
  • Digital and CBCT 3D imaging to evaluate joint structure
  • Evaluation of airway function and sleep-related issues

This comprehensive approach allows us to tailor treatment for your exact needs.

TMJ Treatment Options at Smile Factory Dental

We use conservative, non-surgical therapies to address the underlying causes of TMJ dysfunction and restore comfort.

1. Custom Night Guards / Bite Splints

These appliances reduce pressure on the joint, relax jaw muscles, and prevent grinding-related damage.

2. Occlusal (Bite) Adjustments

Minor bite corrections help improve how the teeth fit together, reducing strain on the jaw joint.

3. Jaw Muscle Therapy & Exercises

We provide guided stretches and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and reduce muscle tension.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Strategies

Recommendations may include cold/warm therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications to reduce inflammation.

5. Stress-Reduction Techniques

Since stress contributes to clenching, we address behavioral and lifestyle factors when appropriate.

6. Referral for Advanced Imaging or Specialist Care

For complex cases, we collaborate with oral surgeons, physical therapists, or TMJ specialists for multi-disciplinary care.

Why Treating TMJ Is Important

Untreated TMJ dysfunction can lead to long-term complications such as:

  • Chronic facial pain
  • Progressive tooth wear
  • Increased risk of fractures in teeth or restorations
  • Frequent headaches
  • Reduced jaw mobility
  • Clicking or locking that worsens over time

Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent these problems and preserve your oral health.

What Patients Can Do at Home

In addition to in-office treatment, we often recommend supportive strategies such as:

  • Soft food diet during flare-ups
  • Avoiding wide mouth opening (chewing gum, biting nails, large sandwiches)
  • Jaw relaxation techniques
  • Heat or ice packs for aching muscles
  • Posture improvement to reduce neck and jaw tension
  • Oral appliance use as prescribed

When combined with professional care, these habits can significantly reduce symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment

 Occasionally, but many cases worsen without proper evaluation and treatment.

This often occurs when the cushioning disc inside the joint is displaced or when muscles are strained.

Yes — custom night guards reduce clenching force, protect teeth, and minimize strain on the TMJ.

Most patients do not require surgery. Conservative treatments are highly effective for the majority of cases.

Absolutely — the TMJ and surrounding muscles are closely connected to the nerves that affect the head, face, and ears.

Find Relief From TMJ Pain

Jaw discomfort doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. At Smile Factory Dental, we offer personalized TMJ treatment plans designed to ease pain, improve function, and restore balance to your bite.

Request Appointment
Call Now
Scroll to Top