Restorative Dentistry
TMJ Treatment in Reston, VA
Relief for jaw pain, headaches and teeth grinding, without invasive techniques.
A thorough look at your jaw, teeth and bite, followed by a custom TMJ appliance made from a digital impression to take pressure off your jaw joints.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ treatment in Reston, VA: a thorough exam of your jaw, teeth and bite, and a custom appliance to ease jaw pain, headaches and teeth grinding.
Ease the pressure on your jaw
The temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull just in front of your ears, and a TMJ disorder can bring jaw pain, headaches or difficulty chewing. Clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth are two behaviors that can trigger that pain. Our TMJ therapy is designed to address both the symptoms and the causes, with the goal of relieving your pain and improving how your jaw works. The key to relief is easing pressure on your jaw, and a custom-made TMJ appliance is one of the main ways we do that. The same appliance also helps protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding.
Signs worth mentioning to us
TMJ problems can show up in more places than the jaw.
- Jaw painAching or tension in the jaw, especially around the joints.
- HeadachesChronic headaches and migraines that keep coming back.
- Chewing and speakingDifficulty chewing, or discomfort when you talk.
- Ear pain and ringingPain or ringing in the ears near the jaw joints.
- Neck and shouldersPain that spreads into your neck and shoulders.
- Grinding and clenchingTeeth grinding or jaw clenching, often during sleep.
Your TMJ evaluation
- ExamA thorough examination of your jaw, teeth and bite.
- ImagingDigital X-rays and 3-D imaging of joint and bone.
- HistoryA talk about your symptoms and medical history.
- PlanA treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What a custom TMJ appliance does
- Relieves tension on your jaw joints
- Reduces harmful teeth grinding
- Helps ease related headaches
- Promotes proper jaw alignment
- Made from a precise digital impression
Bring it up at your next visit
Every routine exam already includes a check for TMJ problems, so you can discuss your symptoms with us at your next dental cleaning and exam. If grinding has already worn or damaged your teeth, crowns or onlays can rebuild them. If you would rather not wait, book a consultation, and our team can go over insurance and financing options for your treatment.
The short answer
TMJ treatment addresses disorders of the temporomandibular joints, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing and teeth grinding or clenching. It begins with a thorough examination of your jaw, teeth and bite, digital X-rays and 3-D imaging, and a custom TMJ appliance made from a precise digital impression of your teeth and jaw. Worn during sleep or as directed, the appliance relieves tension on the jaw joints, reduces harmful grinding and helps ease the headaches that come with it.
TMJ treatment FAQ
- Does TMJ treatment work?
- TMJ treatment works by easing the pressure on your jaw, which is the key to relieving TMJ pain. We can make you an appliance that gently moves your jaw into a position that keeps pressure off the joints. The appliance also keeps you from clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth, two behaviors that trigger TMJ pain.
- How long does TMJ treatment take?
- There is no standard length for TMJ treatment, because it depends on many factors, including how severe your symptoms are. Your treatment plan is tailored to your needs after a thorough examination. Since the appliance also prevents damage to your teeth caused by grinding, many patients keep wearing it as part of their bedtime routine. We review how you are doing as treatment goes on.
- Will insurance pay for my TMJ treatment?
- Your insurance may pay for part of your TMJ treatment, depending on your plan. We can help determine what your plan will and will not cover, and what your portion of the cost may be. Coverage and eligibility are set by your insurer, and our front desk verifies your benefits first. Financing is also available through in-house plans, Cherry, Proceed Finance, LendingClub and HFD.
- What are the signs of a TMJ disorder?
- Common signs of a TMJ disorder include jaw pain, headaches and difficulty chewing. Some people also notice ear pain or ringing, pain in the neck and shoulders, or teeth grinding and clenching. Because the symptoms can appear well beyond the jaw, they are easy to put down to something else. If any of these sound familiar, mention them at your next exam.
- What is a TMJ appliance?
- A TMJ appliance is a custom-made oral device that relieves tension on your jaw joints and reduces harmful teeth grinding. We use digital impression technology to create a precise model of your teeth and jaw, so the appliance is made specifically for you. It also helps ease associated headaches and promotes proper jaw alignment. The appliance is comfortable to wear.
- When do I wear my TMJ appliance?
- You can wear your TMJ appliance during sleep or as directed by our dental team. Many people clench or grind at night, which is why wearing it to bed is common. Consistent use is what brings the most benefit. We explain how and when to wear yours when it is fitted.
- Is TMJ checked during a regular exam?
- Yes, your exam includes a check for TMJ problems along with cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues. The exam also includes a check of your bite. If we spot a problem, we discuss treatment options with you right away. You can also raise any jaw symptoms at your next dental cleaning and exam.
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Insurance & financing
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and helps you get the most from your coverage.
Aetna · CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield · Cigna · Delta Dental · BlueCross BlueShield FEP Dental · Guardian · MetLife
Financing through Cherry, Proceed Finance, LendingClub and HFD.