Understanding TMJ Disorder

Your temporomandibular joints are two of the most complex joints in your body, and they get a serious workout—you use them every time you talk, chew, swallow, or yawn. When something goes wrong with these joints or the muscles around them, it can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Aching pain around your ear
  • Difficulty or pain while chewing
  • Facial pain
  • Locking of the joint, making it hard to open or close your mouth
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint
  • Frequent headaches or neck aches

TMJ disorders have various causes, including arthritis, jaw injury, teeth grinding, and importantly for orthodontic treatment—bite problems that put stress on the jaw joints.

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How Your Bite Affects TMJ Health

When your teeth don’t fit together properly, your jaw has to work harder and often in awkward positions to chew and function. Over time, this extra stress can lead to TMJ problems.
Common bite issues that can contribute to jaw pain include:

  • Deep bites (where upper teeth overlap lower teeth too much)
  • Crossbites (where teeth don’t align properly side to side)
  • Significant overbite or underbite
  • Missing teeth or poorly aligned teeth that force your jaw to shift when you bite

While not all TMJ issues are caused by bite problems, correcting your bite can often provide significant relief when alignment is a contributing factor.

How Dr. Henry Approaches TMJ Treatment

During your consultation at our St. Johns office, Dr. Henry will conduct a thorough evaluation of your bite, jaw position, and how your teeth come together. He’ll ask about your symptoms, examine your TMJ, and may take special records to understand how your jaw functions.

If your TMJ symptoms are related to bite issues, treatment might include:

  • Orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign to improve how your teeth fit together and reduce stress on your jaw joints. As your bite improves, many patients notice their TMJ symptoms decreasing or disappearing.
  • Bite adjustment to create a more stable, comfortable bite position that allows your jaw to function without strain.
  • Custom splints or appliances in some cases, especially if teeth grinding is part of the problem. Dr. Henry may coordinate with your dentist to ensure you’re getting comprehensive care.

A Team Approach to Care

Dr. Henry works closely with dentists, oral surgeons, and other specialists when needed to ensure you get the most effective treatment for your TMJ issues. Sometimes orthodontic treatment alone provides relief, and sometimes it’s part of a larger treatment plan that might include physical therapy, medication, or other interventions.

What to Expect

Many patients notice improvement in TMJ symptoms fairly early in orthodontic treatment as their bite begins to stabilize. However, every case is different, and Dr. Henry will be realistic about what you can expect based on your specific situation.

The good news is that many people who thought they’d have to live with chronic jaw pain find significant relief once their bite is corrected.

When to See Dr. Henry About Jaw Pain

You should consider an orthodontic evaluation if:

  • You have persistent jaw pain that isn’t responding to other treatments
  • Your jaw clicks or pops consistently when you open your mouth
  • You’ve been told you have a bite problem
  • Your jaw locks or gets stuck
  • You experience frequent headaches that seem related to jaw tension
  • You grind or clench your teeth

Even if you’ve seen other healthcare providers about your TMJ symptoms, an orthodontic perspective might offer new solutions, especially if bite issues are part of the problem.

Find Relief from TMJ Pain

If jaw pain or TMJ symptoms are affecting your quality of life, Dr. Henry can evaluate whether orthodontic treatment might help. Contact Henry Advanced Orthodontics in St. Johns to schedule a consultation. We serve patients throughout St. Augustine and the Jacksonville area.

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Testimonials

Not only do both my children go to Dr Henry’s but I do as well. We are all treated with kindness by a staff that’s very friendly and patient. Juggling each of our own needs, personalities and tolerance to the “adjustments”, I know we are in the best hands in St Johns County.

K Geary

We are only a few months into our first kid’s treatment but are very happy so far! Easy to get in for an appointment, never have to wait long and the office staff is super friendly and professional! Can’t wait to see how good my son’s teeth look in about a year! I was also very impressed that Dr Henry didn’t force early treatment for my daughter but took a wait & see approach…the questionable tooth shifted and that conservative approach saved us a couple thousand dollars. She will still need braces and we will definitely be using Dr Henry!

Meredith

Dr. Henry has a great way of making visits a fun adventure for my son. He always looks forward to going for his check ups. Wonderful staff all around!

April

I love going to Henry Advanced Orthodontics! Dr Henry is very good at what he does and my daughter loves going to the orthodontist! How many parents can say that? His staff are the nicest people and treat everyone like they are family! 100% recommend to anyone needing orthodontic care!

Andrea