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TMJ Disorders

TMJ Treatment

Morning headaches, clicking, bruxism, pain radiating to the neck, TMJ disorders affect every aspect of your daily life. Dr Benguira assesses your symptoms and discusses care options suited to your situation.

Call now: 450.983.4233 Book an appointment online

Fees apply to specialized TMJ consultations. They are separate from the free orthodontic consultation.

Understanding the TMJ

What is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bones of your skull, on each side of your face, just in front of the ears. It is one of the most complex and most used joints in the human body.

The TMJ allows you to speak, chew, yawn and swallow. It functions through a precise system of muscles, ligaments and an articular disc that absorbs the enormous pressures generated during chewing and prevents friction between the bones.

TMJ disorders (also called temporomandibular disorders or TMD) occur when this joint or the muscles surrounding it do not function properly, causing pain, limited movement and various symptoms that can severely affect your quality of life.

Temporomandibular joint TMJ anatomy - diagram
Symptoms

Do you recognize these symptoms?

TMJ disorders present with a combination of symptoms. You don't need to have all of them to suffer from a TMJ disorder.

Jaw pain

Jaw pain

Dull pain in front of the ear, in the jaw muscles or at the temples. TMJ pain often intensifies during chewing, upon waking or at the end of the day.

Temporomandibular joint

Clicking and crepitus

Clicking, cracking or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth. They often indicate a displacement of the articular disc of the TMJ.

Chronic headaches related to TMJ

Chronic headaches

Frequent headaches, especially upon waking, caused by excessive tension in the jaw muscles. Often confused with migraines, these headaches are related to the TMJ.

Bruxism and teeth grinding

Bruxism (grinding)

Teeth grinding or clenching, often nocturnal and unconscious. Bruxism wears down teeth, fatigues the muscles and worsens TMJ pain.

Jaw locking

Jaw locking

Difficulty or inability to fully open the mouth. Normally, you should be able to insert 3 fingers vertically between your teeth. Less than that may indicate a TMJ disorder.

3D view of the temporomandibular joint

Ear pain

Ear pain, feeling of a plugged ear, tinnitus (ringing) and sometimes dizziness. These symptoms are often related to the proximity of the TMJ to the ear.

Neck pain related to TMJ disorders

Neck pain

Tension and pain in the neck, shoulders and upper back. The jaw muscles are connected to the cervical muscle chain, creating referred pain.

Do you recognize these symptoms?

If pain persists or your jaw locks, an assessment can help identify suitable measures.

Call 450.983.4233 Book online

Specialized TMJ consultation • CBCT available when indicated

Types of disorders

The different types of TMJ disorders

TMJ disorders encompass several distinct conditions:

Myofascial pain syndrome

The most common. Muscle pain, jaw clenching and limited mouth opening. Often linked to stress, bruxism and poor posture.

Articular disc displacement

The TMJ disc shifts from its normal position. Reducible form: clicking when opening (the disc snaps back). Non-reducible form: persistent jaw locking.

TMJ osteoarthritis

Progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage. Grinding sensation during jaw movements. Symptoms and recovery vary from person to person.

TMJ arthritis

Joint inflammation that can be rheumatoid, infectious or traumatic. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects both TMJs simultaneously.

TMJ disorder symptoms - headaches, jaw pain, ear pain, neck pain
Causes

Why are you suffering from TMJ disorders?

TMJ disorders generally result from a combination of factors, rarely from a single cause.

Bruxism and clenching

Teeth grinding or clenching, often nocturnal, that puts excessive pressure on the joint.

Dental malocclusion

Poor teeth alignment creates an uneven distribution of forces on the TMJ.

Stress and tension

Psychological stress causes involuntary clenching of the jaw muscles.

Trauma

Blow to the face, accident, fall or sports injury directly affecting the jaw.

Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or other inflammatory conditions affecting the joint.

Sleep disorders

Sleep apnea and other disorders are closely linked to TMJ dysfunction.

Poor posture

Incorrect head and neck posture alters the natural position of the jaw.

Risk factors : Women are more frequently affected, particularly between ages 20 and 50. Repetitive gum chewing is also an aggravating factor.

Diagnosis

How do we diagnose TMJ disorders?

1

Complete clinical examination

Palpation of the masticatory muscles and TMJ, listening for joint sounds, evaluation of mouth opening range (normal: minimum 4 cm) and analysis of your bite.

2

On-site 3D CBCT scanner

CBCT may help visualize bony structures when the clinical assessment calls for imaging. It is not needed for every TMJ disorder and does not show soft tissues well.

3

Occlusal analysis

Dr Benguira considers your bite as part of an overall assessment. Bite alignment alone does not explain TMJ disorders.

4

Personalized treatment plan

Discussion of possible causes and conservative, reversible options suited to your symptoms.

Treatments

How to treat TMJ disorders?

Many TMJ disorders improve over time. When care is needed, conservative, reversible measures are generally considered first.

Custom occlusal splint

A thin resin appliance, precisely fitted to your teeth, worn mainly at night. The splint reduces pressure on the TMJ, protects your teeth from bruxism wear and relaxes the masticatory muscles.

Therapeutic Botox (neuromodulators)

Evidence for botulinum toxin for TMJ disorders remains uncertain. Possible benefits and risks should be discussed case by case. Learn more →

Physiotherapy and exercises

Mandibular mobilization exercises, muscle relaxation techniques, ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Dr Benguira refers to physiotherapists specialized in TMJ when needed.

Orthodontic treatment

Orthodontics may be appropriate for a separate alignment concern, but is not recommended solely as a treatment for a TMJ disorder.

Custom occlusal splint for TMJ treatment

Custom occlusal splint

Nighttime protection against bruxism

Therapeutic Botox injection in the masseter muscle for TMJ

Therapeutic Botox (masseter)

Reduction of muscle spasms

Ways to manage jaw pain and TMJ symptoms
Self-care

Relieving your TMJ pain at home

In addition to your treatment, these measures can help relieve TMJ symptoms:

  • Soft foods Choose tender foods and chew slowly. Avoid hard, sticky foods and chewing gum
  • Moist heat Apply a warm moist compress to the painful area for 15-20 minutes
  • Rest position Keep your teeth slightly apart (lips closed, teeth separated) to relax the TMJ muscles
  • Stress management Stress is a major factor in TMJ disorders. Relaxation techniques, meditation or breathing exercises
  • Posture Maintain good head and neck posture, especially in front of the computer
  • Anti-inflammatories Ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) as directed, to reduce pain and inflammation
  • Sleep Ensure quality sleep. Avoid sleeping on your stomach (pressure on the jaw)
Expertise

Why consult Dr Benguira for your TMJ disorders?

Dr Benguira can assess jaw symptoms and coordinate with other clinicians when appropriate, drawing on:

  • Dental occlusion In-depth training on how teeth mesh together and its impact on the TMJ
  • Jaw function Understanding of jaw biomechanics and its movements
  • On-site 3D imaging On-site CBCT when clinically indicated
  • Complete range of treatments Self-care advice, a splint when appropriate and multidisciplinary coordination

Dr Benguira takes a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach, coordinating as needed with specialized physiotherapists, maxillofacial surgeons and other professionals for complete management of your TMJ disorders.

Dr Benguira - TMJ and orthodontics specialist in St-Eustache
Frequently asked questions

Your questions about TMJ disorders

Do TMJ disorders heal on their own? +

Some temporomandibular disorders improve without treatment. If pain persists, your jaw locks, or opening becomes difficult, an assessment can help identify a cautious, appropriate approach. Teeth clenching or grinding may also need separate attention.

How long does TMJ disorder treatment last? +

Duration depends on your symptoms and how they evolve. An assessment can start with conservative, reversible measures such as self-care advice, exercises or a splint when appropriate. No timeline for relief can be guaranteed.

Is the occlusal splint uncomfortable? +

A custom splint can take time to get used to. It should not cause persistent pain. Tell the team about any discomfort so its fit and suitability can be reviewed.

Is Botox effective for TMJ pain? +

Evidence for botulinum toxin injections for temporomandibular disorders remains uncertain. It is not a routine first-line treatment. Following an assessment, Dr Benguira can discuss potential benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives for your situation.

When should I consult for jaw pain? +

Seek an assessment if you have persistent jaw pain, locking, difficulty opening your mouth, or clicking with pain. An evaluation can help identify possible causes and suitable measures.

Can orthodontics fix my TMJ problems? +

Orthodontics should not be started solely to treat a TMJ disorder: evidence does not show that changing the bite reliably relieves these conditions. If you also have an orthodontic concern, its treatment can be assessed separately.

Is jaw clicking serious? +

Painless jaw clicking is common and does not always require treatment. If it comes with pain, locking or limited opening, an assessment can help determine the cause.

Further reading: NIDCR guide to temporomandibular disorders.

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Jaw pain? Let us assess it together.

A specialist consultation can help review your symptoms, decide whether tests are useful and discuss suitable first steps.

Call now: 450.983.4233 Book online

Fees apply to specialized TMJ, sleep apnea and therapeutic neuromodulator consultations, and to CBCT scans. These are separate from the free orthodontic consultation.

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Your orthodontist

Dr David Benguira

Dr Benguira completed his orthodontic training at the Université de Montréal after earning a doctorate in dentistry. He offers individual assessments and can coordinate care with other professionals when needed.

Ordre des dentistes du Québec Association des orthodontistes du Québec Invisalign Certified LightForce Certified
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