TMJ/TMD Solutions

What are my Treatment Options?

Treatment for TMJ / TMD and jaw pain often involves conservative therapy with use of oral orthotics or “splints.” In our office, day use splints are usually fabricated to be worn on the bottom teeth to make it more comfortable, less noticeable and easier to speak with it in. We generally prescribe a separate splint for night time use which is worn on the upper teeth. In addition to use of the splints, other therapies for jaw pain treatment may include:


  • Therapeutic injections to help “unlock” your jaw
  • Prolo-therapy
  • Trigger point injections
  • Botox
  • Medical acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Moist heat application
  • TENS therapy
  • Ultrasound
  • Iontophoresis
  • Use of medications as needed

What are my Treatment Options?

If you are unsure of your diagnosis or jaw pain treatment you should AVOID any type of “irreversible” therapy, such as:


  • Equilibration—or grinding on the teeth to improve the bite*
  • Orthodontics or braces*
  • Crowning the teeth*
  • Root canals
  • Extraction of teeth
  • ANY type of surgery on the TMJ or jaw


* The American Dental Association refers to these procedures as “phase two therapy,” and as such should only be performed AFTER successful “phase one therapy.”


IN OUR PRACTICE, NECESSITY OF ORTHODONTICS OR CROWNING THE TEETH AFTER PHASE ONE SPLINT THERAPY IS EXTREMELY RARE. NECESSITY OF SURGICAL THERAPY FOR JAW PAIN IS EVEN MORE RARE. IF YOU SUFFER FROM JAW PAIN, CALL OUR OFFICE TODAY TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION.

Stop suffering from TMJ pain and discomfort. Find out how we can help!

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • If my jaw pops/clicks, do I have TMD?

    TMD by virute of its name is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint. Popping and clicking in the jaw can be caused by a variety of factors including the eusttion tubes of the ear presurizing. Many people have a pop/click in their jaw and go their whole lives without pain, disfunction, or quality of life issues, but a recurring pop/click is not normal and should be reviewed by a certified specialist to be sure it is not something worse.

  • Does TMD require surgery?

    At Dental Sleep Doc we strive to keep our patients as far away from the surgery road as possible. In very few, and very severe cases where oral appliance therapy and other unintrusive options don't succeed, surgery may be an option.

  • What causes TMD?

    The exact cause of TMD differnt for each person and is very hard to determine. Thankfully the treatment plan is often fairly straightforward regardlesss of the initial cause.

  • How do you confirm the effectiveness of the oral appliance?

    You will have follow up appointments while using your oral appliance to confirm the effectiveness of the device. You will know the treatment is working by a reduction of pain, increase in mobility, less frequent clicking in the jaw, and other factors.

  • Does insurance cover TMD treatment?

    Because insurance plans vary widely, our experienced team will work with you to see if your insurance company will cover the oral appliance. If for any reason it isn’t covered, we will let you know and work with you to develop a financial plan if needed.


    If coverage is available for oral appliances, it will come from your medical insurance carrier. Most dental insurance companies do not cover treatment of TMD.  


    Our patients tell us it is well worth the investment of their time and money to treat their TMD because of the improved quality of life they experience.

  • What if I don’t have insurance?

    We offer financing options and will work with you to find a solution that fits your needs. We strive to never allow mone to get in the way of our patients recieving the treatment they need.

  • How long will it take to adapt to the oral appliance? Will it hurt my teeth?

    The majority of patients will adapt to the appliance within 5-10 days. It will take a few days to get used to having a device in your mouth. The appliance will not hurt your teeth. If your teeth are sore after initial use, we can easily adjust it for your comfort.

  • How often will the appliance need to be replaced?

    They are made of hard acrylic, which is very durable. They are typically replaced every 3-5 years depending on wear and tear. If you grind your teeth, you may have a more frequent rate of repair or replacement.

  • Will the appliance change my bite?

    A change in your bite is possible. Depending on the position of your teeth and the status of your bone, your teeth may shift. Whith our experience we've minimized the risk of tooth movement dramatically, and the risk can be minimized further with the use of a morning re-positioning device.

  • Are there any side effects of the appliance?

    The most common side effect is morning muscle soreness that usually goes away after a short time. Some patients may experience either dry mouth or excessive salivation. As mentioned above, minor tooth movement occurs in some patients but is rare when the treatment plan and instructions are followed.

  • How long will I have to use the oral appliance?

    TMD treatment times vary based on a variety of factors including age, overall health, and severity. Dr. Criss will provide you with an estimated timeline durring the initial consultation.

  • Can’t I just order a boil and bite device off the internet?

    While there are over-the-counter appliances you can order, keep in mind these are not FDA approved for treating TMD or sleep apnea. Additionally, when not fitted properly they may cause unwanted side effects such as addistional jaw problems or excessive tooth movement.