TMJ Therapy Centre Frequently Asked Questions

Patients may start treatment with either practitioner (dentist or chiropractor) or even begin treatment with both at the same time. The TMJ (jaw) region and the posture are intimately connected via the nervous system. Our combined approach and understanding of this connection allows us to assess the whole body. Often a complex dental case will be made easier through chiropractic, conversely a complex chiropractic case often requires the help of a dentist. By combining a dental and chiropractic approach we are able to cover many bases, allowing us to take on complex cases and resolve them successfully.

At TMJ Therapy Centre we bring together the combined expertise and services of a dentist and chiropractor to treat your TMJ and sleep disorders. By working closely together and/or at the same time, our unique and effective process ensures that we are able to treat the cause(s) and maximize your return to optimal function and health.

We are also the first accredited TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre in Australia and the only one in Victoria. We are closely affiliated with more than 50 centres around the world and have access to the most up to date research and treatment on TMJ and sleep-related breathing disorders. Using these resources provides us with a broad and detailed understanding of the multifactorial causes involved with TMJ and sleep disorders.

There is often no simple answer as to why some people suffer from TMJ disorder. Sometimes the cause is obvious, for example, it could be triggered by a trauma to the jaw or mouth that occurred recently or many years past – such as a car accident or sports injury.

Many other times it is caused by a number of inter-related factors that aggravate each other, for example, poor posture, poor nasal breathing and/or airway obstruction, disturbed jaw function, malocclusion (a bad bite), bruxism (grinding teeth) and habitual clenching, previous dental treatment, excess inflammation and continuous mental and emotional stressors.
Even simple habits like chewing gum and fingernail biting can have an effect on the TMJ area and in some cases lead to painful symptoms. TMJ symptoms can also be caused by pain in a distant or poorly positioned structure such as the pelvis or feet.

This is why correct diagnosis is critical and effective resolution of TMJ requires a multi-discipline approach. Yes, you can be pain free and reduce or eliminate the symptoms of TMJ. With our integrative treatment and highly developed research-based approach, a visit to our clinic is the best first step to tackle your TMJ.

Sometimes the symptoms can be temporary and go away with little intervention. TMJ sufferers can often go without a diagnosis and manage ok, albeit with pain or discomfort and compromised sleep. TMJ problems, however, are not usually problems that get better on their own. You may cycle through having symptoms and then no symptoms, but overall it is likely to be progressively worsening.

In severe cases, TMJ can lead to chronic pain, damage of the jaw joint, locked jaw, issues opening the mouth, and distorted posture all of which may have limited response to traditional physical therapies.

Whether your symptoms and prognosis are on the mild or severe side, wouldn’t it be better to consider a future free from TMJ (TMD) symptoms?

Treating the TMJ can change your quality of life; with better sleep, reduced pain, better physical freedom and performance all likely outcomes of our treatment.

Did you know that females are more likely to be affected by TMJ symptoms? Browse our Educational post section for a look at TMJ topics in more detail.

TMJ issues can happen at any age. For children, common symptoms can range from headaches, poor posture, scoliosis, forward head posture, open mouth posture resulting in mouth breathing, dark circles under the eyes, bed wetting, restless sleep leading to irritability, poor concentration and learning, crowded baby and emerging adult teeth.

Research has shown that children’s IQs can be permanently affected by untreated TMJ and sleep disorders.

If you’ve visited your child’s regular doctor and still been unable to ease the symptoms, perhaps it’s time to consider a more targeted, yet holistic approach through TMJ Therapy Centre.

At TMJ Therapy Centre, we are able to provide a more in-depth diagnosis and explanation of the child’s symptoms and where appropriate, a specific treatment plan – generally without any need for medical or surgical intervention.

Easing your child’s pain and improving their sleep are very important, as these early years are essential in your child’s physical and mental development. Studies have shown that behaviour, learning concentration and IQ may all be impacted.

We recommend you contact us to discuss your concerns and if needed, book an appointment to assess whether your child is suffering from a TMJ or sleep related issue.