Finding Relief from TMJ Through Jaw Repositioning at Southern California TMJ and Sleep Center
If you’re struggling with TMJ-related pain or symptoms like clicking joints, ear congestion, dizziness, or ringing in the ears, you’re not alone. At Southern California TMJ and Sleep Center, Dr. Bob Perkins specializes in providing effective, non-invasive solutions to help you find relief. One of our key approaches is jaw repositioning, a treatment that balances your bite and alleviates the tension and discomfort caused by overworking muscles.
Addressing TMJ: The Importance of a Balanced Bite
The root cause of many TMJ issues lies in an imbalanced bite, where the jaw is not in its optimal physiologic position. This imbalance forces the muscles to overwork, leading to tightness, pain, and a host of other symptoms. At Southern California TMJ and Sleep Center, we focus on correcting your bite to allow your jaw and surrounding muscles to relax. Once the bite is in its correct position, the symptoms associated with TMJ can begin to resolve.
Our Non-Invasive, Trial-Based Approach to Jaw Repositioning
Our jaw repositioning process is designed to be non-invasive, non-surgical, and completely reversible, ensuring your comfort and peace of mind as we explore the best solution for your TMJ issues.
Step 1: Evaluating Your Bite
The first step is a thorough evaluation of your bite to determine how it’s contributing to your TMJ symptoms. By identifying the areas of imbalance, we can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Step 2: Creating a Relaxed Jaw Position
We help your jaw move into its most relaxed and natural forward position. This involves bonding a temporary acrylic material to your lower back teeth to create a new bite alignment. The process is quick and comfortable, typically taking only about 30 minutes.
In this new bite position:
- Your jaw is no longer forced into a strained position.
- Your muscles can relax as they adjust to the new alignment.
- You may immediately notice improvements in facial proportions and a reduction in TMJ-related discomfort.
Step 3: Observing the Trial Phase
This trial phase, known as Phase I, allows us to monitor how your body responds to the new bite position over several weeks. Because the process is reversible, we can adjust as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
Additional Benefits of Jaw Repositioning
In addition to relieving TMJ pain, proper jaw alignment often leads to improved sleep quality. By allowing your lower jaw to move forward, your tongue has more space, and your airway is less obstructed, reducing snoring and improving breathing. Many patients report feeling more rested and energized after treatment. Jaw repositioning can also impact your facial appearance, resolving a recessed chin for improved facial harmony.
What Comes Next: Permanent Solutions
If the trial phase successfully reduces your symptoms, we’ll discuss options to make the new bite alignment permanent. For some patients, this might involve addressing other structural concerns, such as a narrow upper jaw or a misaligned upper jaw that’s set too far back. These refinements help ensure long-term comfort and functionality.
Begin Your Path to TMJ Relief Today
At Southern California TMJ and Sleep Center, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve a pain-free, functional jaw. With our innovative, reversible approach to jaw repositioning, you can experience relief from TMJ symptoms without the need for surgery. Contact us today to schedule your first visit with Bob Perkins, DDS, and take the first step toward lasting relief and a better quality of life.