Home | Restorative | TMD-Temporomandibular Disorder
What is TMD or TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jaw to your skull and allow you to speak, chew, and yawn comfortably. When the joint or surrounding muscles become irritated or strained, it can lead to TMD (temporomandibular disorder).
Common symptoms include:
Jaw pain or stiffness
Clicking or popping sounds
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
Headaches or facial pain
Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) can often contribute to TMJ problems and make symptoms worse.
At West Ashley Dental Associates, our understanding of TMD and TMJ allows us to provide personalized therapy and custom night guards that help relieve discomfort, protect your teeth, and restore healthy jaw function.
Why A Night Guard?
Non-invasive treatment with no surgery, downtime, or recovery.
Helps relieve symptoms of TMJ/TMD and teeth grinding (bruxism).
Protects teeth from wear, chips, and cracks caused by clenching and grinding.
Custom made for a comfortable, secure fit.
During your exam, Dr. Martin will check for signs of grinding and tooth wear to determine if a custom night guard is right for you.
What We Do Differently
At West Ashley Dental Associates, we take a fully customized approach to TMJ therapy and night guard treatment. Using advanced digital scans and MODJAW® 4D Jaw Tracking, Dr. Martin evaluates how your jaw functions in real time to create a night guard tailored specifically to your bite and jaw movements.
What sets us apart:
Advanced digital scans and 4D jaw tracking for greater precision
Custom-designed treatment based on your unique jaw function
In house design and 3D printing for quality control and accuracy
Personalized adjustments and finishing completed right in our office
Focused on comfort, fit, and long term protection
By designing, printing, and preparing your night guard in house, we're able to provide a highly customized appliance that is built specifically for your needs.
What About Store Bought Mouthguards?
While store bought mouthguards may seem like a quick fix, they are designed to fit a wide range of people, not your unique bite. A poor fit can be uncomfortable, less effective, and may even worsen certain TMJ symptoms.
For patients with TMJ symptoms or significant teeth grinding, a professionally designed custom night guard offers a more precise and effective solution.
Advanced Jaw Tracking with MODJAW®
Your jaw is constantly moving, and understanding those movements is key to diagnosing TMJ disorders and bite related issues. Using MODJAW® 4D technology, Dr. Martin can record and visualize your jaw's motion in real time, creating a dynamic digital model of how your teeth, joints, and muscles work together.
Unlike traditional static images, MODJAW® shows your bite in action, helping Dr. Martin pinpoint the source of discomfort, evaluate jaw function, and design treatment with a higher level of precision. This advanced approach allows for more personalized care and a better understanding of your unique oral health needs.