Dental Approaches to Jaw Pain

TMJ disorders often stem from bite misalignments. Beyond injections and splints, dental corrections—orthodontics, bite equilibration, occlusal therapies—address underlying structural causes for lasting relief.

Bite Equilibration (Occlusal Adjustment)

• What: Selective reshaping of tooth surfaces to achieve even bite contact.
  
• Benefits:
  
  1. Eliminates high-pressure points
     
  2. Reduces joint loading
     
  3. Often combined with splint therapy for fine-tuning
     
• Process:
  
  1. Detailed bite analysis (articulator study)
     
  2. Conservative enamel reshaping with fine burs
     
  3. Post-adjustment splint wear for stabilization
     
     

Orthodontic Intervention

• What: Braces or clear aligners to correct malocclusion (overbite, underbite, crossbite).
  
• Benefits:
  
  • Long-term bite harmony
    
  • Improves jaw joint alignment
    
  • Addresses teeth crowding that contributes to bruxism
    
• Timeline: 6–24 months depending on severity
  
  

Prosthodontic Solutions

• What: Crowns, bridges, and onlays to rebuild worn or uneven tooth surfaces.
  
• Benefits:
  
  • Restores vertical dimension lost to grinding
    
  • Balances occlusion across arches
    
  • Protects teeth while improving joint comfort
    
    

Splint-Guided Restorative Planning

• What: Use of a diagnostic splint to simulate ideal bite before permanent restorations.
  
• Benefits:
  
  • Predictable outcomes
    
  • Minimizes need for multiple restorations
    
  • Ensures restored teeth support healthy TMJ function
    
    

Conclusion

Dental corrections can remove the structural triggers of TMJ pain—often in tandem with Botox, splints, or PT—to provide a comprehensive, cause-based solution. Consult a TMJ-savvy dentist for a personalized treatment plan.