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Boston TMJ
Find Relief from Jaw Pain, Headaches & TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ Treatment in Boston
Expert TMJ Dentist at Boston Center for Oral Health
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or TMD) is a condition affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It can cause chronic headaches, jaw pain, facial tension, and even dizziness.
At the Boston Center for Oral Health (BCOH), our TMJ specialists focus on diagnosing the root cause — not just masking symptoms — to restore comfort, function, and quality of life.
What Is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes inflamed, misaligned, or overstrained, it can lead to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).
TMJ disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint that causes pain, headaches, jaw clicking, muscle tension, and difficulty chewing. It is often caused by bite misalignment, teeth grinding, stress, or injury.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of TMJ?
Common TMJ symptoms include:
Severe or recurring headaches
Jaw pain or facial soreness
Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
Teeth grinding (especially at night)
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Neck pain
Dizziness
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
TMJ symptoms often worsen during periods of stress.
If you are experiencing multiple symptoms, a comprehensive evaluation is recommended.
Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) is a common condition that affects a wide variety of people. Our TMJ experts at Boston Center for Oral Health are experienced in treating the underlying cause of TMJ and greatly improving the quality of life for those who suffer from it.
What Causes TMJ?
The most common causes include:
1️⃣ Bite Misalignment (“Bad Bite”)
When the upper and lower teeth do not align properly, the jaw joint absorbs abnormal pressure.
2️⃣ Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Nighttime grinding places extreme stress on the joint and surrounding muscles.
3️⃣ Stress & Muscle Tension
Chronic clenching tightens facial muscles and strains the joint.
4️⃣ Trauma or Injury
A blow to the jaw or damage to the meniscus cartilage inside the joint can trigger TMD.
Why Is TMJ Treatment Important?
Untreated TMJ can lead to:
Chronic migraines
Worsening jaw degeneration
Worn or fractured teeth
Bone erosion
Loose teeth
Progressive bite collapse
Early diagnosis prevents long-term structural damage.
How Is TMJ Diagnosed at BCOH?
At Boston Center for Oral Health, diagnosis includes:
Comprehensive bite analysis
Jaw joint examination
Digital X-rays or imaging
Medical and dental history review
Functional muscle assessment
We focus on identifying the underlying mechanical cause before recommending treatment.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ Treatment Options in Boston
Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Options may include:
Custom Orthotic Appliance (Bite Guard)
A custom-made oral appliance:
Relaxes jaw muscles
Reduces pressure on the joint
Prevents nighttime grinding
Allows inflamed tissues to heal
Most patients adapt within 2–7 days.
How Effective Is TMJ Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliances are considered one of the most effective non-invasive TMJ treatments.
Clinical studies have shown high improvement rates in pain reduction and jaw function when properly diagnosed and customized.
At BCOH, treatment is continuously monitored and adjusted to ensure effectiveness.
What are the reasons for treating TMJ?
TMJ sufferers report that their symptoms generally worsen during periods of prolonged or unexpected stress and that intense outbreaks of the condition can lead to neck pain and dizziness.
The most common cause of TMJ is the misalignment of the teeth, often called “bad bite”. It is possible for the dentist to realign the teeth without the need for painful or expensive surgeries. The realignment will stop the pounding headaches, the jaw pain, and the dizziness.
The teeth grinding symptom is particularly common and generally occurs at night. Over time, the grinding will eventually erode the structure of the teeth and lead to much more severe dental problems in the future.
Untreated TMJ is one of the prime underlying factors in eroded jawbones and loose teeth. It is important for anyone experiencing the symptoms of TMJ to visit the dentist for an exact diagnosis.
What does treating TMJ involve?
TMJ treatment at Boston Center for Oral Health can be a result of several different problems. Bad bite is the most common, but an injury resulting from a blow to the meniscus cartilage is also a possibility. Initially, the dentist will thoroughly examine the jaw area, the patient’s bite, take X-rays, and review the patient’s history in order to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend necessary treatment.
Once a firm diagnosis has been made, there are several ways in which relief can be provided. A custom-made bite guard can be created to stop teeth grinding during the night. A bite relationship analysis may be recommended by the dentist. The dentist can also provide advice on relaxation techniques which will lessen the effects of stress. As a last alternative, the dentist is also able to prescribe muscle relaxants.
A better option may be to change the shape of the teeth and get rid of the bad bite completely, often called “realignment.” This is especially useful because it alleviates TMJ symptoms and may improve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth as well. Realignment involves adjusting the relationship between how the upper teeth come together with the lower teeth. This may require new restorations and/or adjusting the natural teeth as well. It is not a painful procedure and our dentists have performed realignment with great success for many patients.
Bite Relationship Analysis & Realignment
If the root cause is misalignment, adjusting the bite may provide long-term relief.
Realignment may involve:
Minor reshaping of natural teeth
Restorative work
Adjusting how upper and lower teeth meet
This treatment often:
Eliminates headaches
Reduces jaw pain
Improves facial symmetry
Enhances aesthetics
It is not a surgical procedure.
Supportive Therapies
Trigger point therapy
Moist heat therapy
Muscle relaxants (if necessary)
Stress reduction guidance
Surgery is rarely required and considered only as a last resort.
TMJ Experts Boston
How Many Visits Are Required?
Initial consultation
3–4 visits within the first six months
Annual or semi-annual recall thereafter
How Long Do Appliances Last?
Most appliances last 2–5 years, often longer with proper care.
When Should You See a TMJ Dentist in Boston?
You should schedule an evaluation if you experience:
Daily headaches
Jaw clicking with pain
Morning jaw soreness
Chronic neck tension
Difficulty chewing
The earlier TMJ is treated, the easier it is to correct.
TMJ Treatment in Boston That Works
At Boston Center for Oral Health, we focus on:
✔ Accurate diagnosis
✔ Non-surgical solutions
✔ Long-term structural correction
✔ Personalized care
As with any procedure, the dentist will be happy to answer questions and discuss symptoms, options, and treatments.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJ, we encourage you to contact our office today or schedule an appointment.
You can get more information about TMJ by visiting the website of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain at www.aacfp.org.
TMJ Treatment that Works!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What options are available for treating my chronic pain or TMD?
Medical and dental treatment options for TMD include: positional device therapy, closed lock reduction, trigger point therapy, moist heat therapy, and surgery.
How long do the appliances usually last?
Under normal circumstances, the appliances generally last
2-5 years, but many will last much longer than 5
years.
How does the appliance work to help manage TMD pain?
An orthotic appliance is a small device that fits over the upper and lower teeth, similar to a retainer or mouth guard. The appliance keeps the jaw in a relaxed position so that it relieves pressure on the condyles of the jaw. This relief gives your joints and muscles time to recover from being under stress for elongated periods of time.
How much does treatment with an appliance cost?
The fee varies from $1,800 to $5,800. This is a global fee which consists of the initial examination and consultation, x-rays, a custom-fit appliance, all follow-up visits, and emergency visits for the next six months.
How effective is the appliance?
An oral appliance is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for TMJ. The appliance is a custom-made mouth guard that fits over the teeth and helps to reduce pain and clicking of the jaw.
A study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery found that the appliance was effective in treating TMJ in 96% of patients. The study also found that the appliance was more effective than braces in treating TMJ.
Does my insurance cover appliance treatment?
Since insurance plans vary widely, we work with all of our patients to help them obtain reimbursement from their insurance carrier to the maximum allowed by their plan. Many insurance companies have coverage for treatment of TMD with an orthotic appliance. In some cases, it will also come from the dental insurance carrier. We encourage you to call and check with both your medical and dental insurance company regarding your situation to
request a determination of benefits.
How do you confirm the effectiveness of the orthotic appliance?
After the delivery of the appliance, patients are scheduled periodically to come in and discuss their treatment with the doctor.
During these visits, they fill out a questionnaire and if needed, adjustments will be made to the device.
How many visits are required?
After the initial
consultation, there may be 3-4 appointments within
the first six months. Thereafter, you will be placed
on an annual or semi-annual recall.
How long does it take to adapt to the appliance? Will it hurt my teeth?
95% of patients will adapt to the appliance within 2-7 days. It will take a few days to adapt to having a device in your mouth during sleep. The appliance will not hurt the teeth. If your teeth are sore after initial use, we can easily adjust it for your comfort.