Jaw pain, clicking when you chew, or headaches that start at your temples can all point to a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). At Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontists evaluate and treat TMJ and TMD for patients from Charlotte, Concord, Davidson and Harrisburg, NC. We start with your bite, because how your teeth meet affects how hard your jaw joints work every day.
What Is TMJ/TMD?
Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jaw to your skull just in front of each ear. They hinge and slide every time you talk, chew, swallow or yawn. TMD is the name for conditions that cause pain or poor function in those joints and the muscles that move them. When people say they “have TMJ,” they usually mean TMD.
Common TMD symptoms
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face or neck
- Clicking, popping or grinding sounds when the jaw moves
- Frequent headaches, often at the temples or behind the eyes
- Pain, ringing or a feeling of fullness in the ears
- Jaw stiffness, especially in the morning
- A jaw that locks or will not open fully
- A change in how your top and bottom teeth fit together
What causes TMD?
TMD usually has more than one cause. A bite that does not line up puts uneven strain on the joints. Clenching or grinding, often during sleep or stress, overworks the jaw muscles. Arthritis, past injuries to the face or jaw, and posture habits can also play a part.
How Orthodontists Treat TMJ and TMD
Most TMD improves with conservative, reversible care, so that is where we begin. Your plan depends on what your evaluation shows.
Step 1: Evaluation
We ask when your symptoms started and what makes them better or worse. Then we check your bite, your jaw’s range of motion, joint sounds and muscle tenderness. The first visit is a free consultation.
Step 2: Imaging
Digital imaging, such as a panoramic X-ray, shows the joint and the structures around it. It helps us see whether your bite or joint position is adding to the problem.
Step 3: Your treatment plan
Depending on what we find, your plan may include:
- A custom splint or night guard to reduce grinding and take pressure off the joints while they rest
- Jaw exercises to relax and strengthen the muscles that move your jaw
- Habit and lifestyle changes, like avoiding gum, chewing evenly on both sides and keeping your teeth apart at rest
- Braces or Invisalign when a bite problem is part of the cause
Step 4: Follow-up
We see you for follow-up visits to check your progress and adjust the plan. If conservative care is not enough, we coordinate with TMJ specialists and oral surgeons for further care.
Who Should Get a TMJ Evaluation?
Book an evaluation if jaw pain, clicking or headaches keep coming back, or if your jaw ever locks. It is also worth a visit if you wake up with a sore jaw or someone has heard you grinding at night. Teens and adults can both develop TMD. Not all jaw pain is TMD, and an exam is how we tell the difference.
Why Patients Choose Zammitti & Gidaly for TMJ Care
Dr. Sal C. Zammitti and Dr. Gidaly are both Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Zammitti completed his orthodontic residency at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and has attended Peter E. Dawson Occlusion and TMD seminars. Read more about Dr. Zammitti and Dr. Gidaly.
Our offices in Concord, Davidson and Harrisburg see patients from across the Charlotte area. We are in-network with all PPO insurance plans and will walk you through your benefits before treatment starts.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ/TMD Treatment
Can an orthodontist treat TMJ?
Yes. Orthodontists specialize in how the teeth and jaws fit together, which is often part of TMD. We diagnose bite-related causes, make splints and correct bite problems with braces or Invisalign. When a case needs a different specialist, we refer you.
How do I know if my headaches come from my jaw?
TMD headaches often feel like tension headaches at the temples, forehead or behind the eyes. They are frequently worse in the morning or after stress. If your headaches come with jaw soreness or clicking, an evaluation can check for a link.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
It depends on the cause. Many patients notice improvement within a few weeks of starting a splint or exercises. Bite correction with braces or Invisalign takes longer, and we explain your timeline at the consultation.
Does insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Coverage depends on your plan and the type of treatment. Splints may fall under dental or medical benefits, and orthodontic treatment follows its own rules. Our team checks your benefits with you before you commit to anything.
Schedule a TMJ Evaluation
If jaw pain, clicking or headaches are getting in the way of eating, talking or sleeping, contact our office to book a free consultation at our Concord, Davidson or Harrisburg office.