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334-347-0096
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736 E. Lee Street
Enterprise, AL 36330
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736 E. Lee Street
Enterprise, AL 36330

Treatment of TMJ Disorders

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Pointing to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on a model school

TW Orthodontics provides TMJ Treatment and Appliances in Selma, Montgomery, Enterprise, and Andalusia, Alabama. Contact us at your nearest location to schedule an appointment.

What Is TMJ Treatment?

TMJ treatment is used to relieve the symptoms of TMJ disorder, which is characterized by pain and limited motion in the jaw. TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, the location where your lower jaw connects to your skull. This joint gets a lot of use when you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Excessive use or pressure on the TMJ can cause it to become inflamed, leading to swelling, pain, and a limited range of motion.

TMJ disorder can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the severity of your condition. If you start to experience symptoms of TMJ disorder, you can begin with self-treatment at home. Apply ice to your jaw to reduce swelling and inflammation. Rest your jaw as much as possible and minimize talking. Eat soft foods that don’t require much chewing. Take over-the-counter pain medication, especially anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen, to reduce your discomfort while your jaw heals.

If home remedies don’t provide relief contact us to schedule a consultation. We can evaluate your condition and create an individualized plan for treatment. There are a variety of treatments that can relieve your TMJ symptoms ranging from oral appliances to surgery.

Signs You Need TMJ Treatment

If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from TMJ disorder:

  • Pain in the jaw area
  • Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
  • Frequent headaches or neck aches
  • Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
  • Muscle spasms in the jaw area
  • A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
  • Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth

You may have one or a combination of these symptoms if TMJ disorder is present. Even if they don’t seem severe, it is best to seek treatment sooner rather than later to prevent it from worsening.

Why Choose TW Orthodontics?

When you experience the symptoms of TMJ disorder, you may not know who to see about it, your primary care physician, your dentist, or an orthodontist. TW Orthodontics specializes in TMJ treatment, applying a variety of strategies that will provide you with relief of your symptoms and improve the motion range of your jaw. We can also help prevent TMJ disorder from recurring with treatments such as braces or appliances that realign your teeth and bite to relieve pressure on your jaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TMJ related to tetanus?

TMJ disorder and tetanus (lockjaw) are not the same conditions. TMJ disorder is simply an inflammation of the joint where your jaw meets your skull. Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infection that causes the muscles to spasm and stiffen to such an extreme that it can be fatal. Most people receive regular tetanus vaccines to prevent it.

What causes TMJ disorder?

There are many different things that can cause TMJ disorder. Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, either at night or during the day, can put extra strain on your TMJ and lead to inflammation. Bite misalignment, such as overbite, can have the same effect. Excessive chewing, talking, or yawning can also be the cause of TMJ disorder.

Will I need surgery to correct TMJ disorder?

Not necessarily. Surgery is usually the last resort if no other treatment provides relief. Less invasive options are applied first in the hopes that the inflammation and pain will resolve themselves over time once the instigating force is removed.

Why does TMJ disorder cause ear pain?

The temporomandibular joint is very close to the ear. As the joint swells due to inflammation, it can put pressure on the ear canal, causing pain, ringing in the ears, and muffled hearing. Many people who suffer from TMJ disorder think they have an ear infection at first.

Do you have symptoms of TMJ disorder? Contact us today at one of our 4 convenient locations to schedule a consultation.

Contact one of our 4 convenient locations to schedule your appointment!
Andalusia Location
403 Western Bypass
Andalusia, AL
Enterprise Location
736 E. Lee Street
Enterprise, AL 36330
Montgomery Location
4635 Woodmere Blvd.
Montgomery, AL 36106
Selma Location
107 YMCA Drive
Selma, AL 36701