Jaw discomfort can turn everyday activities like eating, speaking, and even smiling into challenges. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) occurs when the jaw joint, known as the TMJ, isn’t working as it should, and it can affect your comfort and confidence. The good news is that there are effective treatments that can ease these issues and restore balance to your daily life.
At Seahurst Smiles of Burien in Burien, WA, we invite you to schedule a consultation today and learn how TMD therapy can help.
What Is The TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jawbone to the skull, and it plays a crucial role in how you eat and speak. It works with muscles and ligaments to make smooth movements possible, like chewing or yawning. When the joint becomes strained, everyday function can be disrupted.
- Jaw’s hinge function: Allows the mouth to open, close, and move side to side with ease.
- Vital connection point: Links the lower jawbone to the base of the skull for stability.
- Sensitive to imbalance: Even minor strain or misalignment can lead to discomfort and dysfunction.
What Is TMD?
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, making normal activities harder than they should be. Some people may notice only minor irritation, while others experience ongoing discomfort that impacts daily life. The sooner the condition is addressed, the easier it is to manage.
- Jaw joint disorder: Interferes with everyday functions like chewing or speaking.
- Range of severity: May cause occasional soreness or long-term difficulty opening the mouth.
- Early treatment helps: Prevents worsening symptoms and protects jaw health.
Signs & Symptoms Of TMD
TMD can cause a wide range of symptoms that may not always seem connected to the jaw. Some patients experience soreness or popping sounds, while others may deal with frequent headaches or trouble opening their mouth fully. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward finding relief.
- Jaw discomfort or tenderness: Often felt when chewing tough foods or speaking for long periods.
- Clicking or popping sounds: A sign of irregular movement within the joint.
- Recurring headaches: Can radiate from the jaw into the temples or behind the eyes.
- Limited jaw movement: May include locking or difficulty opening wide.
Causes & Risk Factors Associated With TMD
The causes of TMD can be different for each patient, and often more than one factor plays a role. Stress, bite problems, or teeth grinding can put strain on the joint, while arthritis or genetics can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Identifying these factors helps create a more effective treatment plan.
- Stress and tension: Triggers clenching that overworks jaw muscles and joints.
- Grinding and clenching: Constant pressure can wear teeth and inflame the TMJ.
- Bite misalignment: Uneven teeth contact creates imbalance during chewing.
- Arthritis or genetics: Joint inflammation or inherited traits raise susceptibility.
Treatment For TMD
Treatment focuses on improving how the jaw functions and easing discomfort so you can enjoy daily activities again. Non-invasive options are usually recommended first, since they can make a big difference without major changes. Each plan is personalized to the patient for the best long-term results.
- Tailored care plan: Customized to address the specific source of your TMD.
- Gentle, non-invasive first steps: Typically start with splints, exercises, or relaxation methods.
- Restores daily comfort: Helps reduce tension so you can eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint is a custom-made appliance that helps reduce pressure on the jaw joint by adjusting how the teeth come together. It can also protect against grinding and give the muscles time to relax. With regular use, many patients notice a significant improvement in jaw comfort.
- Custom-fit design: Fabricated to match your bite for maximum effectiveness.
- Relieves joint pressure: Reduces strain by guiding the jaw into a healthier position.
- Protects enamel: Prevents damage caused by nighttime clenching or grinding.
Occlusal Adjustment
Sometimes, even small imbalances in how the teeth meet can cause stress on the TMJ. An occlusal adjustment reshapes bite surfaces so the jaw can move more naturally without strain. This process helps improve balance and reduce jaw tension.
- Corrects bite irregularities: Smooths high spots so teeth fit together properly.
- Improves alignment: Encourages the jaw to move in a natural, comfortable way.
- Reduces strain: Minimizes pressure on both the joint and supporting muscles.
TENS Therapy
TENS therapy, short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a safe and gentle way to relax tense jaw muscles. Low-level electrical pulses encourage blood flow and help ease stiffness in the area. This therapy can provide noticeable relief and improve mobility.
- Relaxes tense muscles: Loosens stiffness that contributes to jaw discomfort.
- Gentle and safe therapy: Uses mild pulses that are comfortable and non-invasive.
- Supports healing: Increases circulation to promote recovery and reduce tension.
Restore Balance & Comfort To Your Everyday Life
Living with TMD can affect everything from how you eat to how you sleep, but you don’t have to accept it as part of your daily life. Modern treatments can ease discomfort, restore natural function, and bring back confidence in your smile. As a trusted provider in Burien, WA, Dr. Lam offers advanced care designed to give you long-lasting results. Schedule your consultation today at Seahurst Smiles of Burien and take the first step toward comfort and relief.
