TMJ/TMD Treatment

Comprehensive Care for Every Smile

TMJ & TMD Treatment

Our TMJ & TMD Treatment Options

Relief for jaw pain, headaches, and bite issues with personalized care.

At Glendale Dental Wellness, we understand how frustrating and painful jaw disorders can be. If you\'ve ever experienced jaw stiffness, popping sounds when opening your mouth, or even headaches that seem to originate near your jaw joint, you may be dealing with TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD). Dr. Ivan Chan provides gentle, effective care to relieve discomfort, restore function, and help you get back to living pain-free.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the hinges that connect your jaw to your skull, allowing you to chew, speak, and open your mouth with ease. When these joints become strained, misaligned, or inflamed, the result is TMJ disorder. This condition affects millions of Americans and can lead to chronic pain if left untreated.

At Glendale Dental Wellness, Dr. Chan specializes in identifying and treating TMJ disorders, using conservative, non-invasive approaches whenever possible to restore comfort and function.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder can cause a variety of symptoms, often making diagnosis challenging because symptoms may seem unrelated:

If you experience any of these symptoms, evaluation by Dr. Chan can help identify the underlying cause.

• Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing
• Pain in the temporomandibular joints (in front of the ears)
• Clicking or popping sensations when opening or closing the mouth
• Jaw locking, especially when opening the mouth wide
• Headaches or migraines
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Earaches or tinnitus
• Difficulty chewing or discomfort when chewing
• Bite changes or teeth that feel misaligned

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorders can develop from several causes, often in combination:

Often, TMJ disorder results from multiple contributing factors working together.

• Teeth Grinding or Clenching – Excessive force on the joints can strain them over time
• Stress and Tension – Mental and physical stress causes jaw muscle tension
• Poor Posture – Slouching or forward head posture stresses the jaw joints
• Bite Problems – Misalignment puts unnatural stress on the joints
• Injury or Trauma – Accidents, falls, or whiplash can damage the joints
• Arthritis – Degenerative joint disease can affect the temporomandibular joints
• Disk Displacement – The disk that cushions the joint may slip out of place

Dr. Chan\'s Approach to TMJ Treatment

Dr. Chan believes in starting with conservative, non-surgical treatments that can provide relief for most patients. His approach focuses on:

Most patients respond well to conservative treatment without needing surgery or invasive procedures.

• Thorough Evaluation – Detailed examination and imaging to understand the root cause of your symptoms
• Personalized Treatment Plan – Custom solutions based on your specific condition and needs
• Conservative First – Non-invasive treatments before considering more aggressive options
• Education and Prevention – Teaching you how to manage symptoms and prevent future problems

TMJ Treatment Options

Depending on the cause and severity of your TMJ disorder, treatment may include:

Bite Splint or Night Guard

A custom-fitted appliance worn at night reduces stress on the joints by preventing teeth grinding and clenching. This simple but effective treatment provides relief for many patients.

Bite Adjustment

If your bite is misaligned, Dr. Chan can make adjustments to improve how your teeth come together, reducing stress on the joints.

Orthodontic Treatment

Misaligned teeth and bite problems can contribute to TMJ disorder. Straightening your teeth with orthodontics can eliminate this underlying cause.

Restorative Dentistry

Missing or worn teeth can affect your bite. Dental crowns, veneers, or other restorations can restore proper bite alignment.

Muscle Relaxation Techniques

Dr. Chan can teach you stretches and exercises that relax jaw muscles and reduce tension.

Stress Management

Since stress contributes to teeth clenching and jaw tension, stress management techniques can help reduce symptoms.

Medication

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and swelling.

Physical Therapy

Dr. Chan may recommend physical therapy to strengthen jaw muscles and improve function.

Most patients experience significant improvement with conservative treatment.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage TMJ Disorder

You can help manage your TMJ symptoms with these daily strategies:

These simple changes often provide significant relief.

• Maintain Good Posture – Keep your head and shoulders aligned to reduce jaw strain
• Relax Your Jaw – Be conscious of clenching and try to keep your jaw relaxed throughout the day
• Avoid Chewy or Hard Foods – Foods like gum, nuts, or hard candy put stress on the joints
• Use Heat and Ice – Heat relaxes muscles; ice reduces inflammation
• Apply Warm Compresses – A heating pad on your jaw can relieve tension
• Practice Relaxation – Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing reduce stress-related clenching
• Sleep Well – Proper sleep supports healing and reduces muscle tension

When to See Dr. Chan

Schedule an appointment if you experience:

Early treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening and becoming chronic.

• Persistent jaw pain or discomfort
• Clicking or popping in your jaw joints
• Jaw locking
• Frequent headaches near your temples
• Neck or shoulder pain related to your jaw

Why Choose Dr. Chan for TMJ Treatment

Dr. Ivan Chan has extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. He is committed to:

You can trust Dr. Chan to provide compassionate, effective care for your jaw disorder.

• Identifying the root cause of your symptoms
• Providing gentle, non-invasive treatment
• Achieving lasting relief and restored function
• Educating you on prevention and self-care

Schedule Your TMJ Evaluation

If you\'re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or other TMJ symptoms, don\'t wait. Contact Glendale Dental Wellness today to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Ivan Chan. We\'ll identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief and get back to living pain-free.