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(818) 766-6767
12840 Riverside Drive, #100
Studio City CA 91607

TMJ/TMD Treatment

What is TMJ and TMD?

Over time, the key facial joints, muscles, and teeth stop interacting and can begin interfering with each other. The chewing system deteriorates, leading to an undesirably aged appearance, weakened mouth condition, and pain in the joints, head, and neck. Much of this begins with the breakdown of the key joints in the jaw (the temporomandibular joints, or TMJ) which cause the facial muscles to become strained, which in turn causes clenching and/or grinding of the teeth, a process known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMD. As a result, the face may appear more aged or recessed. When the chewing system, starting with the joints, is corrected, patients are free of pain and experience a more youthful appearance.

How does TMJ and TMD treatment work?

The objective of TMJ therapy is to stabilize the jaw joint. Dr. Jamie Sands establishes jaw stability by creating a custom-made Condylar Centering Orthotic (C2O). The C2O is a clear acrylic splint that is worn in the mouth 24/7 until the joint stabilizes. This phase of treatment involves weekly splint adjustment appointments to ensure proper positioning of the jaw. Once Dr. Sands has determined, through accurate measurements, that the jaw has stabilized, she keeps meticulous records to accurately record the exact position of the jaw (a measurement known as the hinge axis.)

If necessary, Dr. Sands will restore any damaged teeth.

Before Treatment

  • Patient carries stress in the face
  • Eyes are taut and asymmetrical
  • Jaw is clenched and wide
  • Patient experiences neck pain, headaches, and shoulder pain

After Treatment

  • Face has become more relaxed
  • Eyes are symmetrical
  • Patient’s jaw has slimmed down
  • Neck, head, and shoulder pain have resolved

Before Treatment

  • Patient showed signs of facial stress
  • Clenched and tight jaw muscles
  • Prominent facial and neck muscles

After 6 Weeks of Treatment

  • Reduced aging and stress lines on face
  • Relaxed jaw
  • Improved movement and appearance of facial and neck muscles
  • Patient experienced results after only 6 weeks of Dr. Sands’ Oral Anti-Aging treatment with no surgery

Some symptoms of TMJ/TMD include:

Worn down
or chipped teeth

Disproportionately large
jaw muscles

Receding
gums

Clenching or grinding
of the teeth during the day or night

Jaw
pain

Headaches

Ringing
in the ears (tinnitus)

Asymmetrical
or squinted eyes

FAQ

Why should I seek TMJ care?
Individuals suffering from TMJ complications may experience acute or chronic jaw pain or soreness, a clicking or popping in the jaw and sore or worn teeth. Without treatment, these symptoms will eventually become untreatable, so early intervention is critical.

Sometimes those affected by jaw, muscle, or tooth pain seek traditional dentistry to correct superficial issues without treating the underlying issues of TMD. Standard dental care tends to treat symptoms, not causes, of oral health problems. Dr. Sands takes a proactive approach to TMJ that examines the entire oral system as one.

What can I expect at my initial consultation?
The initial consultation is intended to help you learn the basic principles of TMD and TMJ concerns, discover the current condition of your mouth, and learn if you’re a candidate for ongoing treatment. Dr. Sands will take photos and diagnostic measurements along with an extended question and answer session to help determine the most effective treatment moving forward.

Get started by contacting Dr. Sands Studio City office to learn more.