Book Now 720-464-4804 Find A Location

TMJ / Bruxism Treatment

Find relief from TMJ pain and teeth grinding with personalized treatment options including custom nightguards, Botox, and more.

Man holding clear dental aligner, smiling with excitement.

Relieve Clenching, Clicking,  and Headaches

Why Choose The Dental Team for TMJ & Bruxism Treatment?

If you experience jaw pain, teeth grinding, clicking sounds, or frequent headaches, you may have TMJ disorder (TMD) or bruxism.

These conditions can cause chronic discomfort, tooth damage, and difficulty chewing, but effective treatment can restore comfort and function. The Dental Team offers customized TMD and bruxism treatments to relieve pain, protect your teeth, and improve your quality of life. Don’t let jaw pain or teeth grinding affect your daily life—schedule a consultation today to explore your treatment options.

TMJ & Bruxism Treatment at a Glance

  • Relieves Jaw Pain & Tension – Reduces discomfort caused by clenching, grinding, and TMJ inflammation.
  • Protects Teeth from Damage – Prevents enamel wear, cracks, and fractures caused by chronic grinding.
  • Non-Invasive & Customizable – Treatment options include custom nightguards, Botox therapy, and bite adjustments for long-term relief.
  • Quick & Comfortable Solutions - Most treatments, such as nightguards and Botox, require little to no downtime and provide noticeable relief within weeks.
  • Long-Term Results – With proper care and ongoing management, TMJ and bruxism symptoms can be effectively controlled for years.

Understanding TMJ

What is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull and allows movement for chewing, speaking, and yawning. When the joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it leads to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which can cause significant discomfort and jaw dysfunction.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing or jaw locking
  • Headaches, earaches, or facial pain
  • Neck and shoulder tension
  • Worn-down or sensitive teeth due to grinding

TMJ pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, chronic pain, making it important to seek treatment early.

Smiling colleagues collaborating in a bright office.

The Hidden Habit That’s Damaging Your Teeth

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep or times of stress. It can cause serious dental and jaw issues, including:

  • Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity and enamel loss
  • Jaw pain and muscle fatigue
  • Tension headaches and facial soreness
  • Increased risk of TMJ disorder

Many people grind their teeth unknowingly, often discovering the issue after noticing jaw pain, morning headaches, excessive tooth wear, or tooth sensitivity.

Custom Nightguards, Botox & More

TMJ & Bruxism Treatment Options

We provide customized treatments to relieve jaw pain, protect your teeth, and improve function. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment may include:

Custom Nightguards

A custom nightguard helps prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching during sleep, reducing strain on the TMJ and preventing further damage.

  • Protects teeth from excessive wear and fractures
  • Reduces muscle tension and jaw pain
  • Helps reposition the jaw to relieve pressure

Unlike over-the-counter options, a custom-fitted nightguard is designed for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

Botox for TMJ Disorder & Jaw Tension

Botox injections can help relax overactive jaw muscles, relieving TMJ pain, headaches, and clenching-related discomfort.

  • Reduces tension in the jaw, temples, and facial muscles
  • Minimizes pain caused by teeth grinding and clenching
  • Provides long-lasting relief, with results lasting three to six months

This minimally invasive treatment can be an excellent alternative for patients who have not found relief with nightguards or physical therapy.

Lifestyle Modifications & Stress Management

Stress is a major contributor to bruxism and TMJ symptoms. We help patients identify triggers and recommend stress-reducing techniques such as:

  • Jaw exercises and massage to improve mobility
  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques to reduce clenching
  • Dietary adjustments to avoid hard, chewy foods that strain the jaw

Orthodontic & Restorative Solutions

If misaligned teeth or bite issues are contributing to TMJ disorder, we may recommend the following:

  • Clear aligners to reposition teeth for better jaw alignment
  • Dental crowns or restorations to correct bite imbalances
  • Physical therapy referrals for advanced muscle relaxation techniques
  • Acupunture or Chiropractic referrals to release tension built up by the masseter muscles

From Diagnosis to Treatment

What to Expect During Your TMJ / Bruxism Consultation

Comprehensive Exam - We evaluate your jaw movement, bite alignment, and symptoms to diagnose TMJ disorder or bruxism.

Digital Imaging (if needed) - X-rays or 3D imaging may be used to assess joint health and tooth wear.

Customized Treatment Plan - Based on your symptoms, we recommend personalized solutions to relieve pain and prevent further damage.

Smiling man with beard wearing denim shirt.
Abstract light and shadow shapes on white background.

Small Changes, Big Relief

How to Manage TMJ & Bruxism at Home

In addition to professional treatment, you can take steps to reduce discomfort at home:

  • Apply moist heat or ice packs to relieve muscle tension
  • Avoid chewing gum or hard foods that overwork the jaw
  • Practice jaw relaxation exercises to ease tension
  • Maintain good posture to reduce strain on jaw muscles
  • Use stress management techniques to limit unconscious clenching

If symptoms persist or worsen, professional intervention may be necessary.

TMJ & Bruxism Frequently Asked Questions

If you experience jaw pain, clicking sounds, headaches, or difficulty chewing, you may have TMJ disorder. A dental evaluation can determine the cause of your symptoms and the best course of treatment.

Mild cases of bruxism may improve with stress reduction and lifestyle changes, but chronic grinding can lead to tooth damage and TMJ issues. Custom nightguards and other treatments can help prevent long-term complications.

Some dental and medical insurance plans cover TMJ treatments, nightguards, and Botox therapy, depending on the severity of symptoms. We can help review your insurance benefits and discuss financing options if needed.

Relief varies depending on the treatment method. Nightguards and Botox often provide noticeable relief within a few weeks, while orthodontic or restorative treatments may take longer to correct bite alignment.

Yes. Chronic teeth grinding and TMJ dysfunction can lead to tooth fractures, enamel loss, jaw joint deterioration, and chronic pain. Early intervention can prevent long-term complications and costly repairs.