TMJ Treatment and Headache Evaluation in Portland, OR
Jaw pain, facial tension, clenching, grinding, headaches, clicking, or changes in the way the teeth come together can have many possible contributors. At Aesthetic Smiles, TMJ care begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand which parts of the jaw system may be involved before deciding whether dental treatment is appropriate.
Our approach considers the jaw joints, teeth, bite, muscles, tooth-wear patterns, existing dentistry, and - when relevant - airway and sleep factors. The goal is not to assume that every symptom comes from the bite. It is to identify findings that can reasonably guide an individualized treatment plan.
Common Reasons Patients Seek a TMJ Evaluation
- Jaw pain, soreness or fatigue
- Facial muscle tension
- Clicking, popping, catching or locking
- Clenching or grinding
- Worn, chipped or repeatedly breaking teeth
- A bite that feels unstable or has changed
- Headaches or migraine symptoms occurring with jaw-related symptoms
- Morning jaw soreness or muscle fatigue
- Difficulty chewing or limited opening
- Repeated damage to crowns, veneers or restorations
- TMJ concerns before orthodontic or extensive restorative treatment
Headaches Require Careful Evaluation
Headaches and migraine have many causes and should not automatically be attributed to the jaw or bite. When headaches occur together with jaw pain, clenching, facial muscle tenderness, limited movement or other TMD findings, a dental/TMJ evaluation may help determine whether the masticatory system appears to be contributing. Patients may also need evaluation by their physician or another appropriate healthcare provider depending on the presentation.
What a comprehensive TMJ evaluation may include:
- Detailed symptom and health history
- Jaw joint and muscle examination
- Bite and tooth-wear evaluation
- Review of existing restorations and areas of repeated breakdown
- CBCT 3D imaging when indicated
- Computerized jaw movement and muscle-function analysis when indicated
- Screening for clenching/grinding and sleep-related concerns
- Discussion of orthodontic, cosmetic or restorative goals that may affect treatment sequencing
Treatment Is Phased And Diagnosis-specific
Depending on the findings, care may involve education and self-care, coordination with other healthcare providers, bite stabilization, Myoaligner® therapy, Botox for selected muscle-related concerns, orthodontic planning, restorative treatment or another approach. Not every patient needs appliance therapy, and not every TMJ condition is treated the same way.
TMJ Before Major Dentistry
If a patient is planning extensive cosmetic dentistry, full-mouth rehabilitation or orthodontics and has active jaw symptoms or an unstable bite, it may be useful to clarify those concerns before finalizing irreversible treatment. This can help the restorative or orthodontic plan reflect the patient’s functional findings as well as the aesthetic goal.
If jaw symptoms, headaches, bite concerns or repeated dental breakdown are affecting your comfort or making treatment decisions difficult, request a TMJ evaluation at Aesthetic Smiles.
What Patients Say After Their First Diagnosis
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This is not your average dental office, this is Aesthetic Smiles. I won't go anywhere else. Recently had a much needed deep clean done at AS. I appreciated her attention to detail so much! She made sure I would walk away with a future for healthy gums and a better smile. I am so thankful for the work she did, and for all the work AS has done for me so far.Mindy
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Great staff and Dr. Tennant is knowledgeable, empathetic, approachable, and relatable.Craig Zanon
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My treatment here made a big difference in my overall quality of life.Ritika Saripalli
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The staff is so nice.Shari Young
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Very friendly and professional. They always do good work.John Blyler
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The inlays she created to take in and out so you can correct your bite are cutting-edge technology.Judy Masterson
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After a few years of work I can breathe better, I no longer get jaw pain and my teeth are straight.Samantha Alt
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Great staff and great services.Madison Maixner
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The knowledge and capabilities they possess, along with their eagerness to help, make for great treatment!ClDl SolshineGrowing
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Always the best and fun too, but still very professional.Matt Voegtle
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Always the best of professional service.Joe Glomboski
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Seriously, this is the best dentist ever! They are beyond thorough, competent, and friendly.Suzie Gannett
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They make going to the dentist a pleasure.Joanne Moutoux
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I can not say enough good things about Dr. Motlagh and her entire staff.Jackie Snook
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Very relaxing environment and quality job.Stephen Fenzi
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I had weekly headaches until I had an orthotic fitted. They went away!Evan Komp
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They do a great job.Laurie King
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The treatment is non-invasive, using the latest technology.Miriam M
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So passionate about their work and create a caring and comforting atmosphere!Rachel Arnold
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This is the best experience I have ever had with a dentist and dental practice!Emma Kintz
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Her and her staff do an amazing job and are very caring!wanda briggs
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Caring and professional group!Eric Kaczmarek
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The quality of work, atmosphere, amenities, and staff are as good as it gets.Dick Capello
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Their standards of care are extremely high and the final result always exceptional.Greg Pressler
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They regained my trust in dentistry and I look forward to my appointments now.Jamie Nadherny
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They are absolutely wonderful and make you feel very comfortable.Corie Parker
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They make you feel so comfortable and make your experience a pleasant one every time!Vanessa Benedetti
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Even after moving across town I come to Aesthetic Smiles, her work is impeccable.Kelly Rees
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They are helpful, thoughtful, attentive, and they listen to you!C Loescher
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When I left, I felt like I was much more informed and prepared for my dental future.Lyndsay Gomez
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Professional Partnerships
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LVI -
Myoaligner -
International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO) -
Airway Health Solutions -
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