TMJ

TMJ services offered in San Antonio, Helotes and Shavano Park, TX

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder causes intense jaw pain, fatigue, and headaches that can make simple tasks like eating feel like chores. At Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces, with five offices in San Antonio and Helotes, Texas, the team of general and family dentists target TMJ pain with state-of-the-art oral appliances. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today to learn more.

TMJ Q&A

What is TMJ?

TMJ is a painful condition that affects the temporomandibular joints, which connect the lower jawbone and skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw just below your ear. These joints act as hinges, allowing you to open and close your mouth and move your jaw from side to side.

Many ligaments and tissues support the temporomandibular joints. When these tissues become stretched or overworked, pain and inflammation can develop. TMJ can also damage the cartilage protecting the joints.

Are there different types of TMJ?

There are three main types of TMJ:

Myofascial pain disorder

People experiencing myofascial pain disorder with TMJ may feel discomfort or pain in the muscles responsible for jaw movement. This condition can lead to tenderness, spasms, or aching sensations in the jaw area.

Internal derangement

TMJ internal derangement occurs when there is a dislocated or displaced disc within the temporomandibular joint. This displacement can hinder the smooth movement of the jaw and may result in clicking, popping, or locking sensations during jaw motion.

Degenerative joint disease

Degenerative joint disease gradually wears the joint, leading to arthritis. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the jaw, often resulting in limited range of motion and difficulty with everyday activities such as chewing and talking.

What causes TMJ?

Many factors can influence your risk of developing TMJ, including:

Jaw injuries
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Misalignment of the jaw or teeth
Arthritis
Stress and anxiety, leading to jaw tension
Genetic predisposition
Hormonal fluctuations, especially in women

After a thorough dental exam that includes digital X-rays, the team can determine the cause of your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

What are the warning signs of TMJ?

TMJ symptoms can develop at any time, especially when you feel anxious or stressed, and can include:

Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking or popping
Discomfort when opening or closing your mouth
A feeling of the jaw being "locked" or stuck
Facial pain
Frequent headaches or migraines
Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint, neck, or shoulders

Your TMJ symptoms may be constant or come and go.

What are the TMJ treatment options?

If you have TMJ, Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces may recommend:

Mouthguard

Custom-fitted mouthguards, often made of soft or hard plastic, reduce the impact of teeth grinding or clenching, which commonly contributes to TMJ disorders.

Splint

TMJ splints are custom-fitted appliances that cover the upper or lower teeth, stabilizing the jaw joint and preventing teeth grinding or clenching.

Orthodontic appliance

Braces, Invisalign®, and other orthodontic appliances can help reposition and correct your bite.

Call Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces or request an appointment online today to learn more.

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Happy Patient Reviews

I went here for a root canal yesterday scared out of my mind but Dr Smith and his assistant were beyond amazing! I highly recommend you see Adam Smith for any dental issues you won’t regret it.

Chelsey V.

Dr. Smith is absolutely fantastic. All the staff is amazing and very helpful. Customer satisfaction is the best I've received at any dentist. The procedures are essentially painless and the equipment and tools are advanced and updated. Big thank you to Sandra and Derek who are very knowledgeable, professional, and great to work with. The office is near and clean with a little theater for everyone and an arcade machine for entertainment. Would not recommend any other dentist. Thank you again Dr. Smith!

Mohsin S.

First time there with my 4 children. Loved their hospitality always made us feel welcomed and answered all of my questions patiently. My children hate dental visits and this was the first smooth visit we've ever had at the dentist.. Dr. Melendez was great and so was the entire staff at the Mission clinic on Roosevelt.

Veronica S.

Been coming here since they opened this location and I can honestly say..I'm comfortable I have had all my kids come here..love the way they work with you I have not had problems. The crew is incredible as well as the Dentist..too bad they changed the crew but we just went recently to get braces on my daughter ...we were in and out was fast and the 2 girls who helped us were very friendly...and were on point with everything we asked them..plus the girl who help prep my daughter with her braces was very nice and really knew what she was doing hands on kind of person..which I loved..I hope she gets noticed for her hard work ..she made everything look easy..I cant wait to go see her when I'm ready to put my braces on..I would recommend anyone to go to this inviting Dentistry....May I say I'm a very picky mom so trust me when I say ...its a 5 star

Jennifer R.

Always Treated With Courtesy And Respect. The Staff always welcoming and makes you feel comfortable. The waiting area is nice and comfortable to sit and watch a movie or to play with the arcade games. Like how they explain and go over everything that will be done.

Cindy F.

Really nice workers. They know what they are doing. Girls on the front very polite and friendly. Dr. Rice knows what's she is doing. I really recommend this dentist office.

Nancy A.

Always Treated With Courtesy And Respect. The Staff Always Make All My 5 Kids Feel comfortable whether it’s for cleaning or dental work and Orthodontics. The waiting area is nice and comfortable to either sit and watch a movie or TV or Arcade games. And there’s also refreshments like water or coffee or tea to Brew in a Keurig machine I enjoy a cup of coffee when I sit and wait.

Naomi G.

I love this place !!!! I’ve been bringing my daughter here for about 8 or 9 years and I’ve always had a great experience. The staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. You won’t regret it!

Savannah C.

They have a great friendly staff, Ashley is very attentive. Both my daughter and I come here for our dental needs. They make her feel comfortable and safe. I've had my wisdom teeth pulled and fillings done here. They make sure you don't feel any pain.

Brian M.

Great service such an awesome staff. I love the environment. I love how the staff makes mydaughter feel so comfortable. I will definitely come back!

Laura V.

My daughter just had dental work with Dr. Smith and assisting him was Juliet and Karla. Dr.Smith was great and so were Karla and Juliet very friendly my daughter did not feel anything awesome dental work and customer service and front office staff were very friendly and sufficient a great experience. I have been bringing my kids here for about 4 years.Bring your kids to this dental office located on Ingram.

Gina R.

I have switched dentists for my son a couple of times. I think we are sticking to this place, the staff is always friendly and very helpful. The dentist are thorough and patient. Great set up in the lobby.

Herlinda V.

My daughter and I believe we chose the right place for her braces. The employees are always so nice and helpful. I recommend smile structure on Ingram. Staff is professional with a smile aways on there faces.

Letty T.

My first visit & I loved how they were very patient & took there time to get my daughter to get comfortable since she gets very nervous she loved ot as well & can't wait to come back thanks to the staff!!!!! I would really recommend this place.

Jessica G.

Everyone was great! Sandra in billing is very informative of our options and took care of our needs during my sons procedure.

Leticia P.

Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces

✆ Phone Number: 210-572-2394