TMD Therapy

Understanding TMD Therapy: Finding Relief for Jaw Pain and Tension

If you have jaw pain, clicking when you chew, or headaches that start around your temples, you may be dealing with TMD, short for temporomandibular disorder. At Smile.Li Dental, we take a comprehensive and modern approach to diagnosing and managing TMD so you can regain comfort, balance, and confidence in your bite.

What Is TMD (TMJ Disorder)?

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jaw to your skull and allow you to open, close, and move your mouth for speaking and chewing. When these joints or the surrounding muscles become strained or misaligned, it can lead to discomfort and dysfunction known as TMD.

Common symptoms include:

• Jaw pain, clicking, or popping
• Difficulty opening wide or a feeling of “locking”
• Headaches or ear pain
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Tooth wear from grinding or clenching
• Morning jaw stiffness

Why Does TMD Happen?

TMD often has more than one cause. It may be linked to:

• Stress-related clenching and grinding
• Uneven bite forces or misaligned teeth
• Past trauma or injury
• Airway or breathing issues
• Posture and muscle imbalance

Understanding the root cause is essential. Dr. Li performs a detailed exam of your joints, muscles, and bite, and may collaborate with other medical professionals when needed.

How We Treat TMD at Smile.Li Dental

TMD therapy is tailored to your specific symptoms and goals. Treatment may include:

• Custom bite splints or nightguards to relax overactive muscles and protect your teeth
• Occlusal (bite) adjustments or restorations to help your teeth meet more evenly
• Physical therapy or muscle re-education to improve jaw mobility and function
• Lifestyle coaching to reduce triggers such as gum chewing, clenching, or poor posture
• Adjunctive therapies, including Emface muscle therapy, to help relax facial muscles without injections or downtime

Our philosophy is conservative and comprehensive. We focus on relieving pain, restoring function, and protecting your smile long term.

Emface as an Adjunct for TMD Relief

For select patients, we may recommend Emface, a noninvasive facial treatment that uses synchronized radio requency and HIFES™ stimulation to tone and relax muscles. Although designed for facial rejuvenation, Emface can also help reduce muscle tension and improve balance around the jaw and temples when used alongside dental therapy.

Note: Emface for TMD relief is considered adjunctive and off-label. We will discuss benefits, risks, and suitability during your consultation.

When to Seek Help

You should consider an evaluation if you notice:

• Jaw pain or stiffness when chewing or talking
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth comfortably
• Frequent headaches or facial tension
• Signs of grinding or clenching, such as worn or chipped teeth

Early evaluation can prevent chronic pain and joint damage. At Smile.Li Dental, we are dedicated to helping you find lasting relief through personalized, evidence-based TMD therapy.