TMJ Therapy in Manhattan, NYC

Understanding TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull, allowing you to speak, chew, and move your jaw smoothly. When the joint becomes inflamed, misaligned, or overused, it can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Common signs and symptoms of TMD include:

• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
• Headaches and migraines
• Ear pain or ringing (tinnitus)
• Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully
• Facial tenderness or swelling

Some patients also grind or clench their teeth, especially during sleep—a condition known as bruxism. We often treat these issues together with bruxism therapy and customized oral appliances.

Comprehensive Evaluation and Diagnosis

Before recommending TMJ treatment, we conduct a detailed evaluation that may include:

• A physical exam of jaw movement and muscle sensitivity
• Assessment of bite alignment
• Digital imaging, including panoramic X-rays or CBCT scanning
• A review of lifestyle, stress, and sleep habits

We distinguish TMJ disorder from other conditions such as sinus issues, dental infections, or ear problems to ensure accurate diagnosis and targeted care.

TMJ Therapy Options We Provide

Your treatment plan will depend on the severity and root cause of your condition. Options may include:

Occlusal Splints or Nightguards

Custom oral appliances help reposition the jaw, reduce joint strain, and protect teeth from grinding. These are often worn at night and are similar to the devices used in bruxism management.

Bite Adjustment or Equilibration

Subtle reshaping of tooth surfaces can improve how the upper and lower teeth come together, reducing muscle fatigue and uneven pressure on the joints.

Botox for TMJ Relief

Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can relieve muscle tension and reduce involuntary clenching. This treatment, offered by our providers as part of cosmetic and therapeutic services, may be recommended for patients with muscle-driven jaw dysfunction.

Stress Management & At-Home Strategies

We’ll also provide guidance on lifestyle adjustments—like jaw exercises, posture correction, and stress reduction—that can support long-term improvement.

Backed by Clinical Precision and Personalized Care

Dr. Yohan Kim, Dr. Violet Jang, Dr. Jonathan Wu, Dr. Sahiba Atwal-Purewal, and Dr. Kate Zhang have helped many New Yorkers find lasting relief from TMJ-related discomfort through thoughtful, conservative care. Their knowledge of dental occlusion, facial anatomy, and advanced diagnostics allows them to uncover the root cause of your symptoms and offer solutions that actually work.

Treatment often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines—from restorative dentistry to therapeutic Botox—ensuring you get the most complete and effective care plan possible.

Related Services

Managing TMD may also involve:

• Occlusal mouthguards for jaw protection
• Sleep apnea therapy for patients with airway-related jaw tension
• Orthodontic solutions if bite misalignment is contributing to the issue

We tailor every plan to the individual—no two TMJ cases are exactly alike.