TMJ treatment in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA, may help patients who experience jaw pain, clicking, popping, difficulty chewing or other symptoms involving the temporomandibular joints. At Smiles by Smith Orthodontics, our orthodontist will evaluate how the teeth, bite, jaw joints and surrounding structures work together before recommending an individualized approach to care.
Dr. Bradley D. Smith has more than 20 years of experience evaluating and treating TMJ and jaw-related concerns and has managed approximately 2,000 TMJ or jaw-related cases. His specialty training also included advanced education at the Gelb Institute for TMD/TMJ, and he has completed approximately 200 hours of continuing education focused on TMJ disorders, jaw function and occlusion.
What Is a TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull and help make everyday movements such as speaking, chewing and opening the mouth possible. When the joints, surrounding muscles, bite or related structures are not functioning comfortably, patients may experience symptoms commonly associated with temporomandibular disorders, often referred to as TMD or TMJ disorders.
Symptoms can vary from one patient to another and may include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Limited or uncomfortable jaw movement
- A feeling that the jaw is catching or locking
- Muscle soreness around the jaw or face
- Bite changes or discomfort when the teeth come together
These symptoms can have different causes, so an evaluation is important before determining whether orthodontic treatment, another form of care or collaboration with another healthcare provider may be appropriate.
Personalized TMJ Treatment in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA
There is no single treatment that is appropriate for every patient with TMJ symptoms. Our orthodontist will begin by evaluating the patient’s symptoms, bite, jaw relationships, dental alignment and other factors that may contribute to discomfort or dysfunction.
Depending on the patient’s needs, the evaluation may include a clinical examination, digital records and CBCT imaging when appropriate. Dr. Smith has used cone beam 3D imaging in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning for approximately 10 years.
This comprehensive approach helps our orthodontist determine whether an orthodontic component may be contributing to the patient’s concerns and whether additional evaluation by another provider would be beneficial.
How Orthodontics May Relate to TMJ and Jaw Function
The relationship between orthodontics and TMJ symptoms can be complex. Some patients may have bite or alignment concerns that are relevant to jaw function, while others may have symptoms related to muscle tension, joint conditions, habits, trauma or other factors.
When orthodontic treatment is appropriate, our orthodontist may consider options designed to improve the relationship between the teeth and bite. Depending on the individual case, treatment may involve:
- Orthodontic treatment to address specific bite or alignment concerns
- Customized oral appliances when clinically appropriate
- Careful evaluation of how the upper and lower teeth come together
- Monitoring changes in jaw comfort and function during treatment
- Referral or coordinated care with other dental or medical specialists when needed
Because TMJ symptoms do not always originate from the teeth or bite, Dr. Smith does not assume that orthodontic treatment is the answer for every patient. The goal is to understand the broader clinical picture and recommend care based on the findings of the evaluation.
Experience With TMJ, Jaw Function and Occlusion
Dr. Smith has evaluated or treated approximately 2,000 TMJ and jaw-related cases over more than two decades in orthodontic practice. His advanced training has included education at the Gelb Institute for TMD/TMJ as well as approximately 200 hours of continuing education focused on TMJ disorders, jaw function and occlusion.
He has also lectured for Allegheny Health Network GPR residents on TMJ- and occlusion-related topics. This combination of specialty training, continuing education and clinical experience supports a detailed approach to evaluating patients with jaw discomfort, bite concerns and complex orthodontic needs.
TMJ Care May Require an Interdisciplinary Approach
Some TMJ and jaw-related concerns involve more than orthodontics alone. Dr. Smith has managed approximately 3,000 orthodontic cases requiring interdisciplinary care with dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists, pediatric dentists, ENTs, sleep specialists, speech therapists, myofunctional therapists and other healthcare providers.
When appropriate, our orthodontist will coordinate treatment with trusted specialists in the surrounding community. This may be particularly important for patients with complex jaw relationships, airway concerns, oral habits, restorative needs, periodontal considerations or cases that may involve orthognathic surgery.
Rather than focusing only on tooth alignment, Dr. Smith considers how the teeth, bite, jaws, airway and surrounding oral structures may relate to one another. When another provider’s expertise is needed, coordinated care can help ensure that each aspect of the patient’s condition is evaluated appropriately.
Advanced Technology for TMJ Evaluation
Orthodontic technology can provide valuable diagnostic information when evaluating complex bite and jaw concerns. Our office uses digital workflows that may include CBCT imaging, digital photographs, facial records and digital scanning when appropriate.
Dr. Smith has used CBCT imaging for approximately 10 years and digital intraoral scanning for more than 10 years. These tools can help our orthodontist and team evaluate dental and skeletal relationships more thoroughly and develop a treatment plan based on each patient’s individual anatomy and needs.
When Should You Have TMJ Symptoms Evaluated?
Occasional jaw noises without pain do not necessarily indicate that treatment is needed. However, an evaluation may be worthwhile if jaw symptoms are persistent, worsening or interfering with everyday activities.
Consider scheduling an evaluation if you are experiencing:
- Ongoing jaw pain or tenderness
- Pain while chewing or opening the mouth
- Frequent jaw locking or catching
- A noticeable change in how your teeth fit together
- Persistent clicking or popping accompanied by discomfort
- Jaw symptoms combined with orthodontic or bite concerns
Our orthodontist can evaluate whether an orthodontic concern may be contributing to your symptoms and discuss whether treatment, monitoring or referral to another provider may be appropriate.
A Comfortable and Supportive Approach to TMJ Care
Living with persistent jaw discomfort can make eating, speaking and other everyday activities more difficult. Our team takes time to listen to each patient’s concerns and explain what the examination shows before discussing possible next steps.
At Smiles by Smith Orthodontics, TMJ care is centered on thoughtful evaluation rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Patients receive clear information about their orthodontic findings, available options and whether collaborative care with another specialist may be beneficial.
Schedule a TMJ Evaluation in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA
If you are looking for TMJ treatment in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA, our orthodontist can evaluate your jaw function, bite and orthodontic needs and discuss the options that may be appropriate for you.
We also welcome patients from nearby Fox Chapel and surrounding communities who are seeking an orthodontic evaluation for TMJ-related symptoms.
Contact our office today to request a consultation and learn more about personalized care for TMJ and jaw-related concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment
What are common symptoms of a TMJ disorder?
TMJ-related symptoms can include jaw pain, tenderness, clicking or popping, difficulty chewing, limited jaw movement, muscle soreness and changes in how the bite feels. Symptoms vary, so an evaluation can help determine which structures may be involved.
Can an orthodontist treat TMJ problems?
Our orthodontist can evaluate whether tooth alignment, bite relationships or other orthodontic factors may be relevant to TMJ symptoms. Some patients may benefit from orthodontic care, while others may require monitoring or treatment from another dental or medical specialist.
Can a misaligned bite contribute to jaw discomfort?
Bite relationships may be one factor considered during a TMJ evaluation, but jaw discomfort can have many possible causes. Our orthodontist will evaluate the bite along with the jaw joints, muscles, symptoms and other clinical findings before making treatment recommendations.
Will I need braces for TMJ symptoms?
Not necessarily. Braces may be considered when a specific orthodontic or bite concern is relevant to treatment, but they are not appropriate for every patient with TMJ symptoms. Our orthodontist will explain whether orthodontic treatment may have a role after completing an evaluation.
How is TMJ evaluated?
The evaluation may include a discussion of your symptoms, a clinical examination of the bite and jaw function, and diagnostic records when appropriate. CBCT imaging or other digital technology may also be used when additional information is needed.
Do you use CBCT imaging for TMJ evaluations?
CBCT imaging may be used when appropriate to provide additional information during diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Smith has used cone beam 3D imaging in orthodontic care for approximately 10 years.
Can TMJ treatment involve other specialists?
Yes. Some jaw-related concerns benefit from coordinated care with dentists, oral surgeons, ENTs, myofunctional therapists or other providers. Our orthodontist can recommend collaborative care when the evaluation suggests that another specialist should be involved.
When should I seek care for jaw clicking or popping?
Jaw clicking or popping does not always require treatment. An evaluation may be appropriate when the sounds are accompanied by pain, limited movement, locking, chewing difficulty or other persistent changes in jaw function.
Do you provide TMJ treatment in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA?
Yes. Our orthodontist and team evaluate TMJ, jaw function and bite concerns at our offices in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA. We also welcome patients from nearby Fox Chapel and surrounding communities who are seeking an orthodontic evaluation for TMJ-related symptoms.