TMD/TMJ Treatments at Image Orthodontics
Book Appointment with Facial Pain/TMJ/Sleep Apnea Specialist
What is TMD/TMJ?
TMD refers to inflammation or malalignment of the joints (TMJ) connecting your jaw to your cheekbone. Temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the “hinges” on either side of your face that connect your jaw to your cheek bones. These joints are unique in their hinging and sliding mobility, allowing your jaw to open, shift left and right, and move forward and backward.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may have TMD:
- Grinding teeth
- Jaw clenching
- Headache
- Ringing in ears
- Pain or tenderness in the:
Jaw
Ears
Face
Neck and shoulders - Locked jaw
- Popping / clicking sounds when opening your jaw
- Discomfort chewing
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
- Swelling on the side of your face
How TMD Treatment Works:
Three Simple Steps
Schedule a free consultation with your Orthodontist
Our orthodontists specialize in TMD and TMJ treatment. Schedule a complimentary TMD and TMJ consultation with our expert orthodontist.
Get acquainted with the customized treatment plan
Our orthodontist will assess the severity of your cause and design a customized treatment plan that will be the best match to help provide TMD relief and support your lifestyle.
Show-off your smile!
The details of treatment vary, depending on the seriousness of your case and type of treatment recommended. There will be regular adjustment appointments so the orthodontist can evaluate the movement of your teeth and ensure progress is made.
TMD Treatment success stories
Want to win over the world with your smile? Check out reviews from our patients who chose to have the simple straightening treatment using clear aligners.
San Francisco, CA Read More
Dr. Kalika is great. I am finishing up an Invisalign treatment and am very happy with the results. I think the price was fair and competitive. The new office on Sacramento street is really, really nice. I had an appointment during the ongoing lockdown and felt that they were very diligent about covid safety.
San Francisco, CA Read More
Dr. Kalika and the entire staff here are incredible, they really care about your progress and always go the extra mile. I am so grateful that I found them for my Invisalign treatment, I literally couldn't have asked for any better. My treatment was flawless and I'm so happy with the results. If you are looking for a dependable, affordable (they have tons of promotions, payment plans, etc), effective, and caring orthodontist, look no further!
Read More
I went to Dr Kalika a number of years ago for my braces treatment and I seriously could not be any happier! People literally stop me on the street to tell me how straight and beautiful my teeth are! He initially estimated the treatment to take 2 years but they were off in less than 1.5 years and I have a permanent retainer in to keep them just as straight and beautiful as when he first took the braces off. I most recently came to him with TMJ complaints. My general dentist diagnosed me and recommended that I purchase a night guard but I wanted to get a second opinion from Dr Kalika. Monica was super helpful in scheduling my appointment and working with my busy schedule. Alan and Josephine were delightful to work with as well. Dr. Kalika examined my complaints and explained everything throughly -- I may not even need a night guard after all! 5 stars to Dr. Kalika and his wonderful staff!
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Frequently asked questions
There is a multitude of different contributing factors that can cause TMD. Stress, arthritis, head trauma, bruxism (teeth clenching), poor genetics, bad posture, gum chewing, etc. can all cause TMD.
There is a connection between TMD, chronic headaches, and ear ringing. Most patients do experience significant relief from headaches and ear ringing after a proper course of TMD treatment, but there is no way to guarantee complete prevention of these symptoms.
Since TMD has so many symptoms that can also implicate other health conditions, the only way to properly diagnose TMD is by your orthodontist. Your orthodontist will conduct a comprehensive oral exam in addition to going through your medical history in order to draw the right conclusion.
If you are experiencing popping jaw joints, it is possible that you have TMD. This symptom alone is not enough to properly diagnose a patient. Many patients experience intermittent clicking in their jaw joints, so popping shouldn’t cause any alarm. The only way to determine if you have TMD is by an oral examination by your dentist. If you’re experiencing other related symptoms, it is important to schedule an oral examination as soon as possible.
We’re committed to finding the right non-surgical options that work long-term and optimize your chewing system. More conservative, non-surgical options are engineered to reduce the pressure on the TMJ, alleviate pain, and promote regular activity. Surgery is often the last line of defense and is very rarely needed for TMD.
While TMD is more common among patients in their 20s to 40s, children can develop TMD. Making sure your child regularly goes to biannual dental exams can ensure TMD is diagnosed properly.
Yes, poorly-fitted dentures can frequently cause jaw pain as well as TMD. When patients wear dentures that are too loose, they consistently try to realign them which results in significant strain on their TMJs. Dentures can also add to chewing times, adding more work to TMJs.