Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a common source of jaw pain and muscle discomfort that can interfere with eating, speaking, and daily life. At Great Valley Orthodontics, Dr. Matthew Silver takes time to understand your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
The evaluation and management of TMD were part of Dr. Silver’s dental and orthodontic training and remain a focus of his continuing education. He holds certification through the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE) in the use of Botox for TMJ-related concerns and stays informed about current research and treatment options to guide his recommendations.
Understanding TMJ and TMD
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jaw to your skull just in front of your ears. TMD refers to conditions affecting these joints, the chewing muscles, or both.
Symptoms may include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Muscle soreness or tightness in the face and jaw
- Pain with chewing or opening your mouth
- Jaw stiffness, limited movement, or locking
- Painful clicking or popping
- Headaches associated with jaw muscle tension
Clenching and grinding may occur alongside these symptoms. Clicking without pain or limited movement is common and does not necessarily require treatment.
Your TMJ/TMD Evaluation
Dr. Silver will discuss your symptoms, medical and dental history, and any treatments or appliances you have already tried. He will examine your jaw joints and chewing muscles, assess your jaw movement and bite, and explain the findings and appropriate next steps.
We emphasize conservative treatment options. When additional imaging is needed, we can recommend it through an outside provider. This may include CBCT to evaluate bony structures or MRI to assess the disc and other soft tissues.
Custom Splint Therapy
A custom removable splint may help protect teeth from grinding and manage discomfort in selected patients. Your appliance is tailored to your teeth, with instructions for wear and follow-up visits to monitor fit, assess symptoms, and make adjustments when needed.
Botox for TMJ-Related Muscle Pain
For selected patients with persistent muscle-related jaw discomfort, Botox may be considered as part of a broader treatment plan. Targeted injections temporarily reduce activity in certain chewing muscles and may help ease tension and discomfort.
Dr. Silver will discuss potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and whether repeat treatment may be needed.
Botox use for TMD is off-label, meaning it is not FDA-approved for this condition. Research on its effectiveness is mixed, and individual results vary.
Supportive and Coordinated Care
Daily habits can play a role in managing symptoms. Depending on your needs, recommendations may include:
- Reducing clenching and avoiding gum chewing
- Temporarily choosing softer foods during flare-ups
- Using heat or cold for comfort
- Physical therapy to address jaw movement and muscle tension
When appropriate, we coordinate with your dentist, physical therapist, or specialists such as an orofacial pain provider, ENT, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Orthodontic Care When Appropriate
If you also have crowding, spacing, or a bite concern, Dr. Silver can discuss whether braces or Invisalign® would benefit your dental health and bite function. Orthodontic treatment is considered separately from TMD management and is not recommended solely to treat TMD.
Schedule Your TMJ/TMD Evaluation
If jaw pain, muscle soreness, or difficulty chewing is affecting your daily life, contact Great Valley Orthodontics to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Matthew Silver.
Call (610) 956-9922 or request an appointment online.