Most people clench or grind their teeth to some degree, so bite appliances are often needed to protect teeth and gums from long-term damage. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a harmful habit.
Research shows that people clench and grind their teeth equally during the day and night. However, nighttime grinding happens more often because the body’s sensors that detect movement are less active while we sleep.
Dr. Mark Sowell and Dr. Sara Chen are TMJ specialists in Plano, Texas. Visit Aesthetic Dentistry Centre if you have jaw pain and need treatment.
Clenching and grinding, along with gum disease, are the biggest threats to keeping teeth healthy for life. Grinding can wear down the front teeth, making them shorter and flatter, which can make you look older. It also causes back molars to split or break, especially during stressful times, as you age, or if you have sleep apnea or snoring problems.
TMJ Treatment in Plano, Texas
At Aesthetic Dentistry Centre, our dentists in Plano can create a custom-fit appliance made of thermoplastic material to protect your teeth. When worn at night, this appliance reduces muscle activity from grinding by 40%, which protects your teeth and eases stress on your jaw muscles and joints, helping with TMJ pain.
Bruxism starts with a problem in the jaw muscles, not a bite issue. The appliance interrupts the muscle tug-of-war that causes clenching, reducing its intensity by about a third. It helps the muscles relax in a stable position, which often eliminates headaches and TMJ pain within a few days.
We also offer a mini-deprogrammer, a small device that decreases clenching even more than a full-mouth appliance and is more comfortable for patients.
Causes & Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Clenching or grinding your teeth often comes from poor stress management. Many people who grind their teeth are dealing with stress, anger, frustration, or aggression. Teeth grinding can wear down the bite, misalign the teeth, and lead to serious dental problems. We check each patient for signs like:
- Unexplained tooth or gum sensitivity
- Jaw or TMJ pain
- Popping or clicking of the jaw
- Tight muscles
- Headaches
- Worn-down or flat teeth
- Exposed and sensitive dentin (tooth interior)
- Tongue indentations
There is no one cause for teeth grinding, but stress is common. Sleep issues like sleep apnea and GERD can also lead to clenching and grinding.
In severe cases, frequent grinding can move the entire jaw out of balance. If this happens, Dr. Sowell, Dr. Chen, and their team can treat it with a small acrylic mouthpiece called the NTI-tss device. This device is one of the many treatments we offer to help with TMJ pain, jaw popping, and clenching.
Mini-deprogrammer
5×5 overlay coverage
- Bite plate with central and laterals contacting only
- Posterior teeth just out of contact, or
- Open enough for no interferences during the function
TMJ Disorder FAQs
Can a TMJ disorder be cured?
Yes, TMJ pain can often be successfully treated, but the right approach depends on what’s causing the problem. Many patients find relief through non-invasive treatments like custom oral appliances, physical therapy, or orthodontic adjustments. If bruxism is the cause, a splint or bite guard can help protect the jaw joint.
In some cases, stress management techniques or posture correction may also reduce symptoms. While not everyone is permanently “cured,” most people can manage their TMJ disorder effectively with the right care.
Can TMJ cause neck pain?
Absolutely. TMJ problems can cause tension in your jaw, neck, and shoulders because they’re all connected by muscles and nerves. Some people even have headaches, earaches, or shoulder pain without realizing it’s linked to their jaw.
You should see a dentist or specialist if you notice clicking or popping in your jaw along with neck stiffness. We can see if TMJ is the root cause and recommend treatments like muscle relaxation exercises or a stabilizing oral appliance.
Which doctor treats TMJ?
There isn’t just one type of doctor for TMJ disorders, but dentists are usually the first stop since they understand how the jaw, teeth, and bite work together. Some dentists specialize in TMJ treatment, while others may refer you to an oral surgeon, orthodontist, or physical therapist. In rare cases, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor or a pain management specialist might be involved. The key is finding a provider who has experience with TMJ issues and can create a personalized plan for you.
Will TMJ pain go away on its own?
Sometimes, mild TMJ discomfort may fade with rest and avoiding hard foods. But if the pain lasts weeks or keeps coming back, it’s unlikely to resolve without treatment. Ignoring chronic TMJ pain can lead to worse problems over time, like increased jaw stiffness or tooth damage from grinding.
Early intervention can always prevent long-term issues. If your jaw pain isn’t improving, schedule a dental visit to Aesthetic Dentistry Centre and Dr. Chen to stop it from getting worse.
Is surgery necessary for TMJ pain?
Most people with TMJ disorders don’t need surgery. Non-surgical treatments like splints, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes often work well. However, in severe cases where the joint is damaged or other treatments haven’t helped, surgery might be an option.
Procedures range from minimally invasive to more complex joint repairs. Surgery is usually a last resort, so Dr. Chen will explore all other options first. If she does recommend it, they’ll explain why it’s needed and what to expect during recovery.