TMD/TMJ - Shelby Township, MI

At The Gentle Dentist in Shelby Township, MI, we understand how jaw discomfort, chronic headaches, and migraines can disrupt your daily life. Our practice is rooted in compassion, respect, and a desire to care for every patient as a whole person — body, mind, and spirit. We are honored to serve our community by providing expert care with gentleness and integrity.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of your skull, located just in front of your ear on both sides. This flexible joint allows smooth movement up, down, and side-to-side, enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn comfortably.

Muscles attached to and surrounding the TMJ control jaw movement and position, but over time, adaptations and strain can lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). When this happens, individuals can experience significant pain and discomfort, which may be temporary or persist for years.

• A misaligned bite causing tension in facial and jaw muscles
• Clenching or grinding of the teeth (especially at night)
• Stressful lifestyle contributing to muscle tension
• Trauma or accidents causing whiplash-like effects
• History of arthritis affecting the jaw joint

At The Gentle Dentist, we use Cone Beam CT Radiography (CBCT) to examine the hard structures that make up the TMJ. This advanced technology allows us to identify small variations in the jaw joint surface, helping us achieve an accurate diagnosis. CBCT enables us to guide each patient toward higher-quality care and better outcomes.

Learn more about TMJ disorders at the American Dental Association: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/tmj

Daily chronic headaches are often the same as tension headaches, a mild form of migraine. This pain is usually dull and moderate but can interfere with daily life. Many studies show a clear connection between headaches and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

The trigeminal nerve, which carries sensory input from much of the head and face, plays a major role. During TMD, tension and migraines may involve any or all branches of this nerve, causing sensory overload — leading to headaches, facial pain, visual aura, ringing in the ears, and sinus-like aches.

A hyperactive trigeminal nerve can also result in excessive jaw muscle contraction during sleep, leading to intense clenching or grinding, which further contributes to headaches and migraines.

Learn more about migraine headaches from the Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201

NTI Appliance:
The NTI is a small, removable appliance that relaxes the jaw muscles, reduces friction, and breaks the cycle of clenching and headaches. This custom-made device snaps over the front teeth, allowing the jaw to remain slightly open during sleep and reducing headaches of all levels.

Full Coverage Occlusal Guards:
A full coverage guard decreases bite forces while sleeping, giving your teeth a smooth surface to glide across and protecting them from night-time clenching and grinding. Additional benefits include reducing jaw popping or clicking, minimizing lockjaw, preventing chronic headaches and migraines, and protecting your teeth from wear and damage.

At The Gentle Dentist, we view caring for our patients as more than a service — it’s a calling. We approach every patient with compassion and respect, committed to easing discomfort and helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile.

If you are experiencing jaw discomfort, chronic headaches, or migraines, we invite you to contact us today for a thorough evaluation. We are here to provide gentle, trusted care that brings healing and peace.