jaw and facial pain
what is tmj/tmd?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders (or TMD) are a collection of jaw problems that may require treatment by a dentist or orthodontist. The jaw joint is complex, with a number of structures that facilitate vertical and lateral movements. Problems may develop in the numerous muscles, ligaments, and nerves that help the joint to perform correctly. When the TMJ is not functioning ideally, the pain can be debilitating.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, give us a call at (610) 525-6142 to discover your treatment options.
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Headaches, earaches, toothaches
- Clicking or popping noises during chewing
- Masseter muscle enlargement (square face appearance)
jaw clenching and teeth grinding
the symptoms and effects of bruxism
Another condition associated with TMJ/TMD is the pain and tenderness of facial muscles caused by jaw clenching or teeth grinding, known as bruxism. Teeth clenching and grinding can create a multitude of complications that are not only painful, but detrimental to your long-term oral health.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have bruxism or another TMJ disorder:
- sore jaw muscles
- a chewed inner cheek or tongue
- clicking and popping noises while eating
Severe teeth grinding can result in worn, chipped teeth and receded gums even in the absence of gum disease. Compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the back of the joint can cause headaches, face, jaw, and neck pain, as well as earaches and toothaches. Displacement of the cartilage disc, indicating dislocation of the joint, and results in clicking, popping, or grating noises upon opening and closing the jaw. Patients with bruxism experience a higher incidence of root canals and other major dental work on the back teeth.
relieve your pain
botox therapy for bruxism and tmj/tmd
If you have tried to treat your TMJ disorder with a mouth guard and other measures without any improvement, TMJ Botox Treatment at Foote Orthodontics might be for you. The Botox treatment helps to relax muscles that support the lower jaw, thus taking pressure off of the joint and reducing pain.
Botox is a safe alternative to surgery for most people who are experiencing jaw tension or have a TMJ disorder, such as bruxism. Botox injections often provide substantial relief from the pain of muscle spasms associated with TMJ while still allowing muscles to perform daily activities such as talking, chewing, and swallowing. In addition, the treatment can help safeguard dental health, since excessive grinding can result in worn teeth and damaged gums that may require costly treatment.
The TMJ Botox treatment is a non-surgical procedure performed in our office that takes just a few minutes, and most patients experience noticeable improvement within a few days of their first treatment. Relief can take up to 2 weeks to fully kick in, however, with results lasting for 3-4 months, after which muscles begin to resume their usual activity. We recommend Botox treatment every three to four months to maintain results.
aesthetic benefits
botox treatment to improve facial appearance
Bruxism is a specific condition in which people grind or clench their teeth often while sleeping (most do so involuntarily). Grinding or clenching causes the muscle to grow stronger, resulting in headaches, earaches or facial pain, which can worsen with time, and often causes a square facial appearance due to the thickness of the masseter (clenching/biting) muscles.
Besides relief from jaw pain, tension and headaches, patients see a dramatic change in facial appearance after 2-3 sessions of Botox treatments. Once the masseter muscles are relaxed with Botox, the square, heavy appearance of their lower face softens into a more narrow and aesthetically pleasing one.
Ready for a free consultation? Time for an appointment? We'd love to help you!
Fill out the appointment request form below or give our office a call at (610) 525-6142
Meet the Main Line's Favorite Orthodontist
dr. catherine foote
Dr. Foote's passion is orthodontics for children and adults, particularly in facial growth and aesthetics.
Dr. Foote is committed to continuing her own education as well as that of her team, so she can provide her patients with exceptional orthodontic treatment in a caring, state-of-the-art environment. Foote Orthodontics continued excellence in Wayne and Bryn Mawr has not gone unnoticed. Since opening her practice in 2009, Dr. Foote has been named in the “Top Dentist” issues of both Philadelphia Magazine and Main Line Today.
A native of the Main Line, Dr. Foote resides in Wayne with her husband Neil, daughters Elsie and Piper, and son Graysen. Foote Orthodontics is greatly invested in the local community, regularly donates to auctions and fundraisers for dozens of organizations, from schools to churches, as well as sponsoring local sports teams.
why the main line is choosing foote orthodontics
"I had an initial consultation for Invisalign and could not have been more impressed with the entire experience. Jan (the orthodontic assistant) was so fantastic, so knowledgeable and so reassuring. She took time to explain the entire process after taking photos, impressions and a digital scan of my mouth which was very high tech. I met Dr Foote after for a consult and felt immediately comfortable. I had considered doing Invisalign through a dentist office however it is so clear to me now just how advantageous it is to go through this process with an actual orthodontist. Invisalign/orthodontia is nuanced and I want someone who specializes and does this all day long. My consultation was exactly that- detailed and specific and I think that will make all the difference. Looking forward to starting the process and I’m even making an appointment for my kids for their initial braces consultation."
- Deena R., Google Review
"Awesome staff. Very thorough. All the best and most advanced tech. Highly recommend!"
- Emna B., Google Review
"For the last 2 1/2 years I’ve been a patient. This has been such a pleasure dealing with Foote Orthodontics. The staff is so friendly and professional and Dr Foote is a true artist. The change in my mouth is unbelievable. I highly recommend this place for children and adults. They have 2 locations and always make my appointments convenient for my schedule. Absolutely amazing !!! A+"
- Mot Sreym
"Dr. Foote and her office staff is extremely professional. She is very attentive to each patient, and listens to their concern and explains her recommendations thoroughly."