TMJ-TMD

Temporomandibular Disorder

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as severe, recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, also known as TMD.

Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.

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Symptoms of TMD include:

Pain in the jaw area
Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
Frequent headaches or neck aches
Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
Muscle spasms in the jaw area
A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth

If you notice that you are experiencing any of these symptoms, let your doctor know at your next appointment. Your doctor can help determine if you have TMD and create a customized treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms.

Not all jaw pain is associated with TMD.

If you feel that you might have TMD, it is always important to see your dentist and receive an exam. However, not all jaw pain is associated with TMD, and if you do not have TMD there are many different preventive steps you can take to maintain a healthy, strong smile.

Relax your face — “Lips together, teeth apart”
Avoid grinding your teeth
Avoid all gum chewing
Don’t cradle the phone receiver between your head and shoulder — either use a headset or hold the receiver to your ear
Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
Do not sit with your chin rested on your hand
Practice good posture — keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared

Many people get TMD without ever having braces. Symptoms usually wax and wane regardless of whether braces are worn. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and are concerned that you’re a candidate for TMD treatment, please contact our office for a consultation.

What Our Patients Say

Tom Ladky

16:10 14 Nov 24

In and out quickly and ahead of schedule. Whole team at Arbit is fantastic.

Jena Sanford

23:29 12 Nov 24

Everyone is super nice in the office. My son and daughter has been treated and they teeth look amazing

Earnell

01:01 31 Oct 24

One of the friendliest, professional office environments anywhere. The staff is very warm and caring. And their service is "Simply the Best!"

Mark Meyer

13:43 24 Oct 24

Dr. Arbit is now working with another son. Throughout the visit, he made him laugh, feel comfortable, and explained what was happening in a way that a nine-year-old could understand. He answered questions, and made him look forward to having an expander. The work is excellent, and I always recommend to other parents for them to take their kids to Dr. Arbit.

Jeffrey Koenig

15:57 16 Oct 24

I went to Dr. Arbit for a checkup after having my teeth straightened with braces by his team as a child. He is kind, thoughtful, and knowledgeable about dentistry and teeth. Turns out you should consider toothpaste with fluoride. I would not hesitate to recommend him to friends and family for their braces. 5/5

Valerie Miller

23:24 25 Sep 24

I cannot recommend Dr. Arbit and his team enough. We moved to WI with my daughter in active ortho. I have been a dental professional for many years so it was very important to me that she receive exceptional care in our new home state. Dr. Arbit is the only provider in the area using the same system my daughter was using prior to our move. The transition was flawless. My daughter just got her brackets off. Her teeth look beautiful. I would choose Dr. Arbit and team again in a heartbeat.Thank you to all!!!The MillersCedarburg

Laura Kauzlarich

11:01 20 Aug 24

We LOVE Dr. Arbit!!! His office is so welcoming, he is such a kind and knowledgeable man, I would not go anywhere else. I have been seeing Dr. Arbit for myself and my children for over 14 years. I drive hours for each visit and I wouldn’t change a thing. Not only is the service reasonable, but also innovative! Dr. Arbit truly cares about his patients and their health; so many orthodontics are very aggressive and Dr. Arbit offers a light hand with better results. If you haven’t made an appointment, or if you’re not sure, they offer free consulting and the quality is unbeatable. Also, they have free arcade games to keep you occupied, it’s pretty awesome.

Katherine Kautzer

12:20 16 Jul 24

Dr. Arbit and his team are always attentive to our needs, going beyond standard care to ensure patients of all ages are given the best possible care. His team has been able to make the most complex, daunting orthodontic issues (to a parent), seem simple to solve. The team takes care to explain things to us and we would not trust anyone else to help!!

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