At Kadri Dental, one of the most common—but often overlooked—issues we treat is TMJ Disorder. This condition can cause headaches, jaw pain, facial discomfort, and even trouble eating or speaking. Our team uses gentle, effective treatments to address the root cause, giving you lasting relief instead of just masking symptoms.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint—the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. You use this joint whenever you talk, chew, or yawn. If the joint isn’t working properly, it can lead to a range of symptoms known as TMJ Disorder.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
- Pain in or around the jaw joint
- Clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Frequent headaches or facial pain
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, or ears
- Jaw locking or trouble opening your mouth fully
- Tired facial muscles, especially after eating or speaking
What Makes TMJ Care at Kadri Dental Different?
1. Comprehensive Evaluation
We assess much more than just your jaw joint. Our evaluation covers:
- Your airway health
- Bite alignment
- Breathing patterns (mouth breathing vs. nasal breathing)
- Jaw position (at rest and during movement)
- Muscle tenderness and joint function
This thorough approach helps us pinpoint the true cause of your discomfort.
2. Advanced Imaging
We use advanced technology, including 3D imaging, to get a clear view of your jaw joint, teeth, and airway. This allows us to spot issues like misalignment, joint compression, or airway narrowing, which may be contributing to your symptoms.
3. Personalized Treatment Plan
Every patient’s case is unique, so we customize your care plan based on your specific needs.
Treatment options may include:
- Custom dental appliances to gently guide your jaw into a healthier position
- Breathing retraining to improve airway function
- Muscle therapy exercises to ease tension and improve mobility
- Bite adjustments, if needed
- Referral to an airway or sleep specialist if further evaluation is necessary
4. Airway-Friendly Care
Since many TMJ issues are linked to breathing problems, our treatments also focus on supporting better breathing. This may involve:
- Encouraging nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing
- Designing appliances that allow more tongue space for proper airway function
- Teaching tongue posture and swallowing exercises to improve overall oral function
How Much Does TMJ Therapy Cost?
TMJ therapy costs vary based on factors such as:
- The complexity of your case
- Types of appliances or therapies needed
- Number of follow-up visits required
At Kadri Dental, we provide transparent pricing and flexible payment options. If your TMJ issues are linked to a medical condition like sleep apnea, some of your treatment may be covered by insurance.
FAQs
Jaw pain, clicking sounds, headaches, facial discomfort, and difficulty chewing are all common signs.
Some mild cases resolve without treatment. However, persistent symptoms typically require professional care.
Most cases are successfully treated with non-surgical options, such as appliances, therapy, or bite adjustments.
