Jaw Disorders (TMD) Treatment Brisbane CBD
Ongoing headaches, jaw pain, or aches around your ears or behind your eyes can sometimes be linked to your jaw joint and the muscles around it. At our Brisbane CBD dental clinic, we assess what’s actually driving your symptoms and put together a treatment plan suited to you, starting with the simplest effective option.
Signs you might have TMD
TMD (temporomandibular disorder) affects the jaw joint and the muscles that move it, and it shows up in more places than just your jaw. Signs you are grinding your teeth:
- Head: frequent tension headaches, especially around the temples
- Eyes/Ears: aches behind the eyes, or ear discomfort with normal hearing tests
- Teeth: morning soreness, sensitivity, or signs of wear from clenching overnight
- Jaw: clicking, popping, or a tight feeling when opening your mouth
- Neck: tightness or soreness that doesn’t seem to have another cause
What causes TMD?
TMD is usually driven by more than one factor. Common contributors we see include:
- Tooth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Poor posture and jaw positioning habits
- Nail biting or pen-chewing habits
- Overuse from wide yawning or large bites
- Trauma to the joint
- Arthritis or joint degeneration
- Can be linked to sleep-related breathing problems, such as obstructive sleep apnoea
How we treat TMD
Treatment depends on what’s driving your symptoms. We start with the simplest option and only move to the next step if it’s needed.
- Education and self-care — understanding what triggers your symptoms is often the first and most useful step.
- Jaw exercises — at-home exercises we prescribe, with referral to a physiotherapist experienced in jaw problems if needed.
- Custom night splint — a device made to fit your teeth, which may help protect them and reduce strain on the jaw joint if grinding is part of the picture.
- Other treatment options — if clenching is driven by overactive jaw muscles and the steps above aren’t enough, there are further options we can discuss at your consultation, including their benefits, risks and alternatives.
- Referral where appropriate — to a sleep physician or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon if your symptoms point that way.
Everyone’s symptoms are different, so your plan will be tailored to you. Results vary from person to person, and we’ll talk you through what’s realistic before starting any treatment.
Why patients choose Dentistry on George for jaw pain and TMD
- Quality Care — your comfort and long-term health come first in every treatment decision.
- Family Owned & Operated — a trusted local independently owned Brisbane CBD practice.
- Personalised Service — individual attention throughout, from your first assessment to ongoing management.
Jaw Disorders FAQs
Is tooth grinding the same as TMD?
They’re closely related but not identical — grinding (bruxism) is a habit that can contribute to TMD, but TMD covers the wider joint and muscle condition. Read more in 5 Things You Should Know About Tooth Grinding.
Will my jaw pain go away on its own?
Sometimes symptoms settle with simple habit changes, but ongoing pain, clicking, or headaches are worth having assessed rather than waiting it out.
Can TMD or jaw clenching be treated?
Yes. There are several options, and the right one depends on what’s driving your symptoms. We start with the simplest approach, such as self-care, jaw exercises or a custom night splint. If those aren’t enough, there are further options we can discuss with you at your consultation, including their benefits, risks and alternatives.
How long does TMD treatment take to work?
It varies. Some people notice improvement with simple changes within a few weeks, while others need a combination of treatments over a longer period. Symptoms can also come and go with stress, sleep and other factors. We’ll talk you through what’s realistic for you and review your progress along the way.
What if a night splint hasn't helped my clenching?
Let us know. A splint mainly protects your teeth and joint, so it doesn’t always reduce how hard you clench. If your symptoms are ongoing, we’ll reassess and discuss other options with you.
Where are you located?
Level 12/239 George Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000 — call (07) 3211 1155 or book online.
It’s a wonderful thing to be able to go to a Dental appointment & not have to worry. Dr Mishari and all those here are attentive, patient, kind & clear.
The Dentistry on George Difference
Quality Care
Family Owned & Operated
