TMJ Treatment

‍Live Life Free From Jaw Pain and Discomfort

For many, temporomandibular joint disorders (commonly known as TMJ or TMD) can quietly erode the simple joys of daily life, causing headaches, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and a constant sense of discomfort. At White & Haines Advanced Dentistry in Cornelius, NC, we believe you deserve a solution that not only relieves your pain but restores your sense of well-being and confidence. In our spa-like, calming environment, we treat you like family, offering gentle and expert TMJ/TMD treatment personalized to your needs by combining advanced technology, proven therapies, and genuine compassion.

Schedule a consultation today and discover TMJ/TMD solutions designed just for you.

Understanding TMJ/TMD: What It Is & Why It Matters

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the vital hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to eat, speak, yawn, and smile. When this joint and the complex network of muscles and ligaments surrounding it becomes dysfunctional, the result is a group of conditions known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

TMD can be triggered by a range of factors, including chronic teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching (often linked to stress), misaligned teeth, bite issues, arthritis, trauma to the jaw, or even congenital conditions. Often, symptoms can develop gradually, becoming part of your daily struggle before you realize something is wrong.

Common signs and symptoms of TMJ/TMD include:

Jaw pain or tenderness, especially on waking or after chewing
Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing your mouth
Difficulty or discomfort opening wide or closing your jaw
Frequent headaches or migraines, sometimes misattributed to other causes
Earaches, ringing in the ears, or pressure around the ears
Soreness in the face, neck, or shoulders

TMD is more than an inconvenience. Left untreated, it can affect your ability to eat, speak, and rest comfortably, deeply impacting your quality of life.

Are You a Good Candidate for TMJ/TMD Treatment?

If you are experiencing persistent jaw pain, frequent headaches, trouble chewing, or notice yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, especially during times of stress, you may be a great candidate for TMJ/TMD treatment at White & Haines. Many patients also experience symptoms like neck stiffness, facial tension, or difficulty fully opening or closing their mouths. These signs shouldn’t be ignored; early diagnosis can prevent chronic discomfort and even protect against long-term joint damage.

We commonly help patients who:

Suffer from morning jaw pain or tightness
Notice audible jaw noises or locking
Grind or clench their teeth, often unknowingly
Have dental wear related to jaw tension
Feel facial or ear pain without clear cause

Even if you have a history of joint issues, arthritis, or previous jaw injury, our team partners closely with you, and when needed, with area specialists to find the right therapeutic path forward. Every case is unique, and we’re here to listen.

Don’t tolerate jaw pain or headaches any longer.

Contact White & Haines today to see if TMJ/TMD therapy can change how you feel every day.

What to Expect: Our Step-by-Step TMJ/TMD Care Process

1. Your Initial Consultation: Comfort Meets Expertise

Your journey starts in a relaxing, judgment-free setting, where we focus on really listening to your story, your symptoms, and how jaw discomfort impacts your life. Dr. White, Dr. Haines, or Dr. Papp will perform a thorough oral and facial examination, discussing with you any patterns of pain, headaches, jaw noises, or lifestyle stressors.

2. Advanced Diagnostics for Precision

Utilizing advanced technology, including digital radiography, panoramic cone beam imaging, and physical bite analysis, we assess how your jaw moves and identify areas of tension or dysfunction. We’ll gently palpate jaw muscles and joints, tracking any instability, pain points, or sounds as you open and close your mouth.

3. A TMJ/TMD Treatment Plan Personalized for You

Because your comfort and results are paramount, your treatment plan is always tailored to your story, anatomy, and lifestyle. As part of our holistic approach, your plan may include:

Custom oral appliances: Nightguards or splints, designed using our iTero digital scanner, protect your teeth from grinding and reposition the jaw to encourage healing.
Physical therapy for jaw muscles: Exercises and stretching to promote muscle relaxation, improve range of motion, and foster healthy joint function.
In-office therapies: Gentle laser treatments, guided massage, or cold compresses may be used to further ease muscle tightness.
Self-care and home strategies: Patient education on muscle relaxation techniques, stress reduction, posture correction, and dietary adjustments for jaw pain relief.
Medication or further specialist referral: For complex cases involving significant joint damage or inflammation, we coordinate seamlessly with trusted area specialists as needed.

This thorough and compassionate process helps restore comfortable function so you can return to eating, speaking, and sleeping without pain.

Preparing for Your TMJ/TMD Appointment

To make the most of your visit, consider:

Keeping a simple log of your symptoms. Note that when pain occurs, the intensity, and possible triggers (like stress or certain foods)
Avoiding extreme jaw movements (yawning wide, gum chewing) prior to your appointment
Bringing a list of any current medications and previous medical or dental history related to jaw discomfort

This preparation empowers us to deliver precise, personalized solutions. So nothing gets overlooked.

Gentle Aftercare and Recovery: Supporting Your Jaw’s Healing

Many patients report noticeable jaw pain relief within days to weeks of beginning therapy. Consistency is key:

Wear oral appliances as prescribed, even if symptoms start to fade
Attend all recommended follow-up appointments so we can fine-tune your progress and make adjustments as needed
Practice daily stress management—gentle stretching, mindfulness, and prioritizing sleep all support muscle relaxation and healing
Use cold compresses on sore jaw muscles for 10–20 minutes after excessive use or if discomfort flares
Follow home care guidelines for exercises and dietary recommendations (softer foods, avoiding hard or chewy items during flare-ups)

Our care doesn’t end when you leave the office. We are always a phone call away if questions or new symptoms arise. As Dr. Haines shares, “We train our team to take care of the patient first before anything else.”

Why Choose White & Haines for TMJ/TMD Treatment?

We understand that jaw pain can influence every aspect of your life, from eating to sleeping to feeling confident in your smile. That’s why, at White & Haines Advanced Dentistry, we offer so much more than clinical expertise:

Truly Personalized Care:
Each treatment plan reflects your story and values, from gentle therapies to amenities designed for relaxation and comfort.
Spa-Like Experience:
Enjoy soothing surroundings with blankets, Netflix and Pandora streaming, noise-cancelling headphones, and a welcoming, family-oriented staff.
Advanced, Precise Technology:
We utilize the latest in digital dentistry to ensure your care is both gentle and highly effective.
Commitment to Listening:
Our mission is to treat you like family. “Patients are the reason we are here and need to be treated that way.”
Holistic, Judgment-Free Approach:
We understand that TMJ/TMD is rarely “just dental”. We look at the big picture, including your wellness and stressors.

You are never “just another patient” here. Our compassionate providers are deeply invested in your journey to greater comfort and long-term health.

TMJ/TMD Treatment Costs & Financing Options

We recognize the importance of accessible care. The cost of TMJ/TMD treatment at White & Haines varies based on the therapies and duration of care needed, ranging from simple oral appliances to ongoing therapies. Many dental insurance and, in some cases, medical insurance plans may cover a portion of TMJ/TMD treatment. Our team is happy to review your benefits and discuss available financing options, including flexible payment plans, Lending Club, and CareCredit, so you can prioritize your health without financial stress.

For specific pricing or insurance questions, please call our office and we’ll walk through the process together.

TMJ/TMD FAQs

Is TMJ/TMD treatment painful?

Most therapies are non-invasive and focus on easing your pain while not causing more. Oral appliances and physical therapy for jaw movement are gentle and designed to promote relief.

Will I need surgery?

Surgery is rarely needed and is typically reserved for severe cases that do not improve with other treatments.

Can stress cause TMJ/TMD?

Absolutely. Stress often leads to clenching or grinding, which can strain your jaw joints and muscles.

How long does treatment usually take?

Every journey is unique. Some patients feel relief within a few weeks, while others with more complex issues may require longer-term care.

For more information on TMJ/TMD and jaw pain relief, visit the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons TMJ resource page.

Don’t Let Jaw Pain Rule Your Life. Find Lasting Relief Today

At White & Haines Advanced Dentistry, your comfort and health are always our top priorities. If jaw pain, headaches, or clicking are holding you back, you don’t have to struggle in silence. Let our dedicated, expert team help you find gentle solutions and return to the joys of daily life pain-free.

Ready for jaw pain relief that lasts?