TMD/TMJ Treatment

Zeeland, Michigan

Our Procedures

Are you battling with chronic jaw pain or morning headaches? If so, you may be suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or TMD, which can impact your health and quality of life. At State Street Smiles, we offer TMD treatment to provide you with lasting relief. Visit our Zeeland practice to get your smile’s health back on track.

What Are TMJ Disorders and How Do They Develop?

The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, are small joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. You have one on each side of your head, right in front of your ears. These complex joints allow for movements necessary for chewing, swallowing, talking, and yawning. TMJ disorders, or TMD, occur due to problems in the muscle, bone, or tissues in and around your TMJs.

What Are the Causes of TMD/TMJ?

While the causes of TMD are often hard to determine, risk factors may include the following:

Muscle tension and stress due to teeth grinding or clenching, especially during sleep (bruxism)
Injury or trauma to the head or jaw
Degenerative joint disorders like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
Misaligned teeth or an uneven bite

What Are the Symptoms of TMD/TMJ?

Here’s a look at the symptoms of TMJ disorders:

Jaw clicking, popping, or grinding when opening or closing the mouth
Limited movement, stiffness, or locking of the jaw
Difficulty chewing or yawning
Pain in or around the jaw, temples, face, or neck
Morning headaches
Ear pain or ringing in the ears
Swelling of the jaw or face
Changes in how the upper and lower teeth align

What Are TMD Treatment Options?

Our experienced team will evaluate your concerns and work with you to create a custom treatment plan for lasting relief. The following are two of the most popular TMD solutions that help our valued patients enjoy an improved quality of life.

Night Guards/Mouthguards: Night guards, or mouthguards, are custom oral appliances designed to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of habitual teeth grinding or clenching, a condition known as bruxism. When worn during sleep, they act as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, reducing wear and tear and relieving jaw pain and symptoms associated with TMD.
Bite Splints/Occlusal Guards: Bite splints, also known as occlusal guards, are similar to night guards but serve a more therapeutic purpose. These custom-made oral appliances address specific bite issues and reposition the jaw, reducing muscle tension, improving joint function, and relieving your pain. While bite splints are usually worn at night, we may recommend daytime use depending on the severity of your symptoms.