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Do you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or stiffness around your ears? These may be signs that you’re dealing with TMJ disorder, a condition that affects the temporomandibular joints, tthe small hinges that connect your jaw to your skull. While the symptoms can vary, they often have one thing in common: they interfere with your daily comfort and quality of life.
At Guilford Hills Dental Care, we offer TMJ treatment options designed to relieve your pain and restore normal function to your jaw.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ dysfunction can show up in a number of ways. Some of the most frequent symptoms include:
- Jaw soreness or stiffness, especially in the morning
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- Pain while chewing
- Limited range of motion in the jaw
- A sensation of your bite feeling “off” or not aligned
These issues may come and go, or they may become chronic if left untreated.
What Causes TMJ Problems?
Identifying the root cause is the first step to effective treatment. TMJ disorder can be caused or made worse by:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) – Often occurring at night, this habit puts excessive pressure on your jaw joints and muscles.
- Bite misalignment – If your teeth don’t fit together properly, it can strain your jaw and lead to joint pain over time.
- Stress – Clenching your jaw during stressful moments can increase tension in the muscles and joints.
- Arthritis or injury – Joint damage from conditions like arthritis or past trauma can also contribute.
Personalized TMJ Treatment Options
At Guilford Hills Dental Care, we provide several options to relieve your symptoms and help your jaw work comfortably again:
1. Custom Oral Appliances
A nightguard or bite splint is one of the most common and effective solutions. Worn while sleeping, these custom-made devices prevent teeth grinding, relieve jaw joint pressure, and promote muscle relaxation. They also protect your teeth from wear or other damage caused by grinding. In addition to making your jaw feel better, this can help you avoid restorative work on your teeth.
2. Bite Adjustment With Crowns or Bridges
If an uneven bite is causing your discomfort, we may recommend reshaping or restoring certain teeth using dental crowns or bridges. This helps align your bite properly and reduces stress on your TMJs.
3. Orthodontic Correction With Clear Aligners
In cases where misaligned teeth are contributing to the issue, clear aligners can gradually reposition your bite for long-term relief and improved function. These aligners are discreet, comfortable, and easy to maintain.
Surgery is rarely needed, but for the most severe or unresponsive cases, surgical intervention may be considered. We will refer you to a trusted specialist if this option becomes necessary.
Don’t Ignore Jaw Pain
Chronic jaw pain doesn’t have to be your new normal. With a personalized approach to TMJ treatment, the team at Guilford Hills Dental Care can help you find long-term relief and protect your smile from further damage.
If you suspect you may have TMJ disorder, call us at 717-912-5227 to schedule a consultation in Chambersburg, PA today. The sooner we evaluate your symptoms, the sooner you can get back to living comfortably. You can also schedule online.