TMJ / TMD · Lewes, DE
TMJ / TMD treatment, easing the hinge.
Your temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull, working every time you speak, chew, swallow or yawn. When they’re strained, the pain can spread to your face, neck and head.
Personalized treatment, not one-size-fits-all ·Get directions
Symptoms of TMD
Let us know if you notice any of these.
- Pain in the jaw area
- Ear pain, ringing or stuffiness
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Clicking or popping when you move your jaw
- Swelling on the sides of your face
- Muscle spasms in the jaw
- A change in how your teeth meet
- Locked jaw or limited opening
You’re not alone. Millions of Americans live with chronic facial pain and headaches.
Everyday relief
Small habits that take pressure off.
A few simple steps at home or work can keep TMD from getting worse, or help prevent it altogether.
- The golden rule
Lips together, teeth apart
Relax your face. At rest, your teeth shouldn’t be touching.
Stop grinding
Grinding and clenching overwork the joint. A night guard can help while you sleep.
Skip constant gum chewing
All-day chewing keeps your jaw muscles from ever resting.
Free your phone
Don’t cradle the phone between your head and shoulder. Use a headset or hold it.
Chew on both sides
Spread the work evenly across both sides of your mouth.
Mind your posture
Head up, back straight, shoulders square, and don’t rest your chin on your hand.
How we treat TMD
Finding the cause, then the relief.
TMD looks different for everyone, so your treatment is created just for you.
Grinding at night?
A custom occlusal guard is one of the simplest ways to protect your jaw while you sleep.
Listening and examining
We ask about your symptoms and examine your jaw joints, muscles and bite to confirm whether TMD is the cause.
Finding contributing factors
Grinding, clenching, stress, posture and a misaligned bite can all play a part. We look at each one.
Your treatment plan
Your plan may include a custom night guard, bite adjustments, habit changes or restorative work.
Follow-up
We check how your symptoms respond and adjust your treatment until you feel relief.
Related care
Care for your jaw and bite.
Occlusal guards
Custom night guards that stop grinding damage.
Prosthodontics
Specialist care for bite and jaw problems.
Orthodontic treatment
Correct a misaligned bite that strains the joint.
Sleep apnea therapy
Oral appliances for better breathing at night.
Emergency dental care
Sudden locked jaw or severe pain? Call today.
Common questions
TMJ / TMD FAQ
Have another question about jaw pain? Call us and we’ll be glad to help.
- What’s the difference between TMJ and TMD?
- TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. TMD, temporomandibular disorder, is the condition that causes pain and problems in and around those joints.
- What are the symptoms of TMD?
- Jaw pain, ear pain or ringing, headaches and neck aches, clicking or popping, facial swelling, muscle spasms, a change in how your teeth meet, and a locked jaw or limited opening.
- Can TMD cause headaches?
- Yes. Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain and recurring headaches, and in some cases TMD is the cause.
- What can I do at home?
- Remember “lips together, teeth apart,” avoid grinding and constant gum chewing, chew on both sides, keep good posture, and don’t cradle the phone on your shoulder.
- How can a dentist help with TMD?
- We can confirm whether TMD is behind your symptoms and create a treatment just for you, which may include a custom night guard or bite adjustments.
4,000+ five-star reviews
Kind words from our patients
I know most people hate the dentist but I love it! And it especially helps having such a great dental team that I know I can trust. I love leaving with my teeth feeling clean and well cared for. Dr. Bryan and his assistants (both Jess and Aliya) are so kind and caring.
Kristen F. · Google review
My experience with Dr. Labin has been nothing but positive! I have been going to him for years and he is very gentle, making sure his patients are comfortable before he starts any procedure. The staff, from the office staff to the dental hygienists, are all professional and go above and beyond.
Carolyn C. · Google review
Jaw pain or clicking won’t quit?
Call our team at Carpenter’s Crossing in Lewes. We’ll find the cause and create a treatment plan for you.
Visit us
We look forward to meeting you.
Always accepting new patients from Lewes and the surrounding communities. We’ll work with you to schedule appointments that fit your life.
Dental emergency?
Don’t wait for it to get better on its own. Call us right away and we’ll fit you in.
- Address
- 34359 Carpenter’s Way
Lewes, DE 19958 - Office hours
Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 5:30pm Friday 7:00am – 4:00pm Saturday & Sunday Closed