What Is TMJ Disorder?
You have two little joints on either side of your head, right in front of your ears. These are called your temporomandibular joints—or TMJs—and they work like hinges, letting your jaw open, close, talk, yawn, chew, and smile.
Do you have pain in your jaw when you chew? Does your jaw click, pop, or even lock up sometimes? Maybe you wake up with a sore face, daily headaches, or feel like your teeth don’t quite fit together anymore? If so, you could be suffering from TMJ disorder, a common condition that affects the joints and muscles that move your jaw. Just like any other joint in your body, they can get strained, overused, misaligned, or inflamed. That’s when things start to hurt—and that’s TMJ disorder.
At Danbury Smiles, we offer non-invasive, customized TMJ therapy that brings real, lasting relief. And here's the best part: TMJ treatment is often covered by medical insurance—and we handle the paperwork for you.
TMJ Disorder Can Cause All Kinds of Trouble…
TMJ issues can be sneaky. Some symptoms you might not even connect to your jaw at first. But if you’ve been dealing with any of these, your TMJ might be the hidden culprit:
Common TMJ Symptoms:
• Jaw pain or tenderness (especially near the ears)
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when moving your jaw
• Headaches or migraines (especially in the morning)
• Pain while chewing or yawning
• Stiffness or locking of the jaw
• Sore or tired face muscles
• Neck, shoulder, or upper back tension
• Teeth that feel like they’ve shifted or “don’t line up right”
If left untreated, TMJ problems can get worse over time—leading to permanent joint damage, chronic pain, and even difficulty eating or speaking.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder can have multiple causes. Sometimes it’s like a perfect storm—all the little things stack up and suddenly your jaw says, “I’ve had enough!”
Some of the most common triggers include:
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) – often happens during sleep, and you might not even know it
• Jaw misalignment or bite problems
• Stress and tension, which cause you to clench your muscles
• Injury or trauma to the jaw
• Arthritis or inflammation in the joint
• Overuse – chewing gum, biting nails, or even holding the phone between your shoulder and ear
Why Patients Choose Dr. George Landress for TMJ Treatment
✔ Years of trusted care in Danbury
✔ Custom-fitted oral appliances—no generic mouthguards here
✔ Personalized plans that treat the root cause, not just symptoms
✔ Experience with medical insurance billing
✔ Compassionate care in a low-stress environment
