Treatment of TMJ disorder.

Q: What is TMJ disorder?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) sit in front of each ear and connect the lower jaw to the skull. When this complex working unit cannot function normally, it can cause a TMJ disorder — a broad category with symptoms such as persistent jaw pain and restricted jaw movement.

Effective, personalised care for TMJ disorder — bringing relief from jaw pain, headaches and the related symptoms that disrupt everyday life.

Book a consultation Common symptoms

The TMJ — temporomandibular joints — are located in front of each ear, connecting the lower jaw to the skull.

The muscles controlling these joints are attached to the lower jaw and work together to provide three main movements: vertical, horizontal, and forward and back. These are the only joints in the human body that work together as a unit, making them very complicated.

To keep these motions working smoothly, a soft tissue disc lies between the surfaces to absorb the shock to the joint from chewing and other movements. When the working unit cannot function as normal, we encounter issues — and this is known as TMJ disorder.

TMJ disorders are a broad category with a range of possible symptoms and causes, which can lead to varying amounts of discomfort — including persistent pain around the jaw and restricted jaw movement.

Illustration highlighting the temporomandibular joint where the jaw meets the skull

Signs to look for

Symptoms of TMJ disorder.

Persistent jaw pain around the joint or muscles
Headaches and facial discomfort
Restricted jaw movement or stiffness
Clenching or grinding of the teeth
A bad bite or misaligned jaw
Discomfort when chewing or opening wide

Woman experiencing jaw pain and tension caused by TMJ disorder

How we treat it

Care tailored to your symptoms.

TMJ disorder treatment is tailored to the individual and may involve collaboration between one or more professionals.

TMJ splints & night guards

Custom appliances help guide the jaw into the correct position and reduce clenching of the teeth.

Orthodontic treatment

In some cases, improving the alignment of the teeth and jaw with orthodontics relieves the underlying cause.

Specialist diagnosis

Careful assessment of your occlusion and joint function gets to the root cause before treatment begins.

Watch

Understanding TMJ disorder.

After nearly 30 years of chronic pain, Dr. Firas fixed my bite — tears of joy.

— Katrina V., TMJ patient

What exactly is TMJ disorder?

The temporomandibular joints sit in front of each ear and connect the lower jaw to the skull. When this complex working unit cannot function normally, it can cause a TMJ disorder — a broad category with symptoms such as persistent jaw pain and restricted jaw movement.

How is it treated?

Treatments such as TMJ splints or night guards can help guide the jaw into the correct position and reduce clenching. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be recommended to improve alignment. Care is tailored to the individual and may involve collaboration between professionals.

Is Dr. Firas trained in TMJ care?

Yes. Dr. Firas holds a diploma in occlusion and TMJ from The Roth Williams Center for Functional Occlusion and has been treating patients with temporomandibular joint disorders for over a decade.

Living with jaw pain?

Book a consultation with Dr. Firas to understand the cause and start your path to relief.

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