TMJ Therapy – Melbourne, FL

Stop Chronic Jaw Paint with Personalized Treatment

Closeup of patient holding jaw in pain TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and these are the fragile bones that attach the lower jaw (mandible) to the upper jaw (maxilla). Many people have a TMJ disorder caused by malocclusion (a misaligned bite) or because they grind or clench their teeth at night. Unfortunately, because this habit usually takes place during sleep, most sufferers have no control over what is causing their condition and don’t even realize that they are doing it. An attentive dentist will recognize the indicators during a preventive dentistry appointment, but if you are suffering from the symptoms (listed below), don’t hesitate to call us to set up a visit. We will ensure that you will be on your way to feeling better than ever!

Common Symptoms of a TMJ Disorder

A dentist showing an older patient an X-ray. While there are many symptoms of TMJ disorder to consider, getting to know the ones you are definitely experiencing will make both creating a diagnosis and building a treatment plan much easier. If you notice any of the following symptoms, please make sure to let us know during your visit.

Headaches
Jaw Pain
Clicking or Popping in the Jaw
Cracked or Broken Teeth
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Ringing in the Ears

Our team can expertly determine if you have TMJ-related problems. We can then use a variety of TMJ treatments to efficiently meet your needs. These treatments can be read about in more detail below.

Treatments for Issues Related to the TMJ

Woman with mouth pain seeking TMJ Therapy in Melbourne. If we determine that your discomfort stems from an issue with your temporomandibular joints, we’ll provide you with the most effective solutions available to end your discomfort and relieve stress. This is typically done with either a custom-made oral appliance or occlusal adjustments to your existing teeth and/or restorations.

Oral appliances designed to treat TMJ-related symptoms are customized to fit your mouth exactly and reposition the jaw in a way that does not cause disproportionate stress to the jaw joints. These appliances are typically worn during sleep where habits like grinding and clenching are most likely to occur. Using our digital impression technology, we can design an appliance that both relieves discomfort and feels as comfortable as possible when worn.

Alternatively, TMJ disorder can develop if existing teeth or restorations placed by a previous dentist make the bite uneven. This can cause chronic pain when moving the jaw, typically when chewing, speaking, or yawning. If your bite is uneven, we can make minor adjustments to your teeth/restorations to ensure even occlusion (bite) and stop future TMJ-related symptoms, such as discomfort, clicking or popping of the jaw, headaches, earaches and chronic pain in other areas of the body.

TMJ Treatment FAQs

patient smiling while talking to dentist

Can TMJ Be Cured Permanently?

The discomfort related to TMJ disorder may naturally subside with time, but for persistent symptoms affecting daily life, it’s recommended to seek professional treatment. While certain TMJ therapy methods offer temporary pain relief, they don't typically provide permanent results.

On the other hand, interventions like occlusal splints and occlusal adjustments/equilibration are designed to address the underlying causes of TMD, offering a more permanent solution for jaw tension and misalignment, bringing lasting relief.

How Long Does It Take for a TMJ Splint to Work?

Occlusal splints for TMD are typically worn every night. While you may notice a quick reduction in symptoms, they won't disappear instantly. It takes time for your TMJ and the surrounding jaw areas to adjust to their new, healthier positions.

Around six weeks into using the splint, most patients notice significant improvement, though complete relief may not be achieved at this point.

In general, it takes between three and six months for an occlusal splint to effectively alleviate TMD discomfort. However, individual recovery times may vary, with some people experiencing shorter or longer recovery times.

Is TMJ Treatment Expensive?

The cost of TMJ treatment can vary widely due to the range of treatment options available. Factors such as where you live and the specific provider you choose contribute to the variation in prices, ranging from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands.

Generally, more extensive treatments come with higher costs. The specific treatment you need depends on the cause of your TMD, the severity of your symptoms, and other factors. While the initial cost may seem significant, the pain relief is truly priceless.

Is TMJ Treatment Covered by Insurance?

It depends on several factors! The cause, severity of the condition, and the specific treatment needed will determine whether medical or dental insurance may cover it. Although the TMJ is a joint and not exclusively related to dentistry, certain TMJ treatments, like occlusal splints, may be provided by dental professionals rather than primary care doctors.

Insurance coverage for TMJ treatment is complex and varies by state and policy. Some policies may have clauses excluding TMJ treatment, while others may limit the covered dollar amount or types of treatments, such as only covering surgical procedures.

In general, insurance companies typically do not offer TMJ coverage unless mandated by the state or at the request of company benefit coordinators. It's recommended to directly check with your insurance provider to find out whether your TMJ treatment will be covered.

Call Our Office to Set Up an Appointment!

To effectively protect yourself from further damage, and to obtain TMJ therapy, please call our dental office. We happily accept patients from Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Satellite Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Melbourne Beach and other nearby Florida cities.

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