Orthodontics

TMJ — the jaw joint that pops, clicks, or aches.

We treat roughly 40 TMJ cases a year, many referred by general dentists who don't take them on. Conservative-first, escalating only when the case requires it.

Schedule a consultation

What it is

TMJ treatment — the plain-English version.

The temporomandibular joint — TMJ — is the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. When it's misaligned or overworked, it can produce headaches, jaw clicking, ear pain, and pain on chewing. We treat roughly 40 TMJ cases a year, often by referral. Our approach is conservative first: rule out the cheap fixes before escalating to anything irreversible.

Overview

How treatment works.

Schedule a consultation

Full exam including bite analysis and jaw range-of-motion.
Splint therapy as a first-line conservative treatment.
Orthodontic correction when malocclusion is the underlying driver.
Coordinated referrals when a case needs surgical or specialty intervention.

Is this for you

When to consider a TMJ evaluation

Jaw popping or clicking, especially when eating.
Headaches that center around the temples or behind the eyes.
Jaw pain or stiffness after waking up.
Ear pain or fullness without an ear infection.
A general dentist or physician has suggested you might be grinding or have a bite issue.

The visits

What the process actually looks like.

Step-by-step, so there are no surprises at the chair.

Consultation and exam
A full evaluation of the jaw, bite, and any imaging your referring dentist or physician has already done. We listen to what you've already tried.
Diagnosis
We walk you through what's driving the symptoms — bruxism (grinding), malocclusion, joint inflammation, or a combination — and the treatment options for each.
Treatment plan
Conservative options first: a custom splint, behavioral adjustments, sometimes physical therapy referrals. Orthodontic correction is considered when the bite is the underlying cause.
Follow-up
Regular check-ins to measure progress against the baseline. TMJ is rarely a one-visit fix — but the trajectory should be clearly improving within a few months.

Common questions

Frequently asked.

Do I need a referral to come in for a TMJ consult?
No. Many of our TMJ patients self-refer after looking up the symptoms; many are referred by their general dentist or physician. Either is fine.
Will I need braces or surgery?
Most TMJ cases don't need either. We start conservative — a splint and behavioral adjustments — and only escalate if the case requires it.
Is the consultation covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by carrier and plan. We'll verify before the visit and walk you through what's covered before any treatment starts.