TMJ & TMD Treatment in Calgary for Jaw Pain, Clicking & Headaches

Our dentist in NW Calgary is here to give you relief from headaches and jaw pain.

Do you wake up with tension headaches, jaw soreness, or stiffness when opening your mouth? These symptoms may be linked to a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. At 16th Avenue Dental in NW Calgary, Dr. My Le provides comprehensive TMJ assessments and non-invasive treatments to help relieve jaw tension, reduce chronic pain, and protect your teeth from the long-term effects of clenching and grinding.

TMJ problems often result from a misaligned bite, also known as malocclusion. In simple terms, when your teeth do not fit together properly, added strain is placed on the jaw joints, head and neck muscles, and teeth.

Over time, these overworked muscles remain in a constant state of contraction. This can lead to muscle spasms, soreness, and stiffness, which often trigger ongoing tension headaches or deep, pressure-like facial pain.

Woman with black hair smiling indoors while taking a selfie

Stop the Cycle of Headaches, Clicking, and Grinding

TMJ disorders affect more than just your jaw—they often disrupt sleep, limit what you can eat, and impact your daily focus. At 16th Avenue Dental, we understand that chronic tension can turn simple acts like chewing or yawning into painful challenges. Our goal is to help break this cycle of discomfort to restore your function and quality of life.

Identifying the Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

Because the TMJ connects to a complex network of muscles and nerves, symptoms often extend beyond the jaw. Dr. My Le assesses patients for the following clinical signs:

Chronic Migraines or Tension Headaches: Frequent pain, especially in the morning, often caused by overnight muscle tension.
Bruxism: Unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep.
Trismus (Lockjaw): Limited range of motion or difficulty opening the mouth fully.
Crepitus: Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the joint during movement.
Tinnitus: A ringing or buzzing in the ears, which is strongly correlated with jaw dysfunction.
Referred Pain: Muscle tension radiating from the jaw down into the neck and shoulders.

TMJ Treatment Options We Offer in Calgary

At 16th Avenue Dental, we believe in a conservative, “less is more” approach to treating Temporomandibular Joint Disorders. We prioritize non-invasive, reversible therapies designed to relieve pain and restore function without resorting to aggressive procedures unless absolutely necessary.

TMJ Splints & Night Guards

A custom occlusal splint (often called a night guard) is typically the first line of defense against jaw pain and bruxism. Unlike store-bought boil-and-bite guards, our appliances are precision-fabricated from alginate impressions of your teeth.

Custom Occlusal Splints: These are designed to guide your jaw into a neutral, relaxed position. By slightly separating the upper and lower teeth, the splint reduces the strain on the jaw joint and allows inflamed muscles to heal.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding: If you suffer from bruxism, a custom guard acts as a durable barrier. It absorbs the intense force of clenching, protecting your enamel from wearing down and preventing cracks or fractures in your teeth.

Muscle & Joint Management

Treating TMD often requires looking beyond the teeth to the muscles and ligaments that control the jaw. We focus on therapies that help retrain these muscles to reduce tension.

Physiotherapy Referrals: Because jaw dysfunction is often linked to posture, neck, and shoulder tension, we collaborate with trusted Calgary physiotherapists. This multidisciplinary approach ensures the underlying musculoskeletal issues are treated alongside the dental symptoms.

Bite & Occlusal Adjustments

Sometimes, the root cause of TMJ dysfunction is a “disharmony” in the way your teeth fit together (your occlusion). If a tooth makes contact too early or slides incorrectly, your jaw muscles may overwork to find a stable position.

Bite Evaluation: We perform a detailed analysis of your bite to identify any “high spots” or interferences that trigger muscle instability.
Occlusal Adjustment: When clinically indicated, we may perform a procedure called equilibration. This involves polishing minute amounts of enamel to reshape the biting surface. It is a painless process that ensures bite forces are distributed evenly, allowing the jaw joint to seat properly without strain.

Why Choose 16th Avenue Dental for TMJ Care?

Finding relief from jaw pain requires a provider who understands not just teeth, but the complex relationship between your muscles, joints, and bite. Here is why Calgary patients trust us with their care.

1. A Comprehensive, Conservative Approach

We understand that TMJ disorders are complex and often require more than just a quick fix. We take a holistic approach to diagnosis, dedicating time to investigate the root cause of your specific symptoms—whether it is morning headaches, jaw clicking, or muscle tension.

Root Cause Analysis: We look beyond the symptoms to understand why pain is occurring.
Conservative Therapy: We prioritize non-invasive, evidence-based therapies first, ensuring you feel heard and comfortable throughout your treatment journey.

2. Strict Adherence to Professional Standards

Your safety and long-term health are our top priorities. 16th Avenue Dental operates in strict accordance with the highest standards of the profession.

Association Membership: As members of the Alberta Dental Association, we stay current with the latest advancements in dental health and patient care guidelines in the province.
National Guidelines: We rigorously follow the clinical and ethical guidelines of the Canadian Dental Association. This ensures every diagnosis and treatment recommendation is grounded in proven science and focused entirely on your well-being.

3. Transparent Fees & Direct Billing

We believe high-quality care should come with peace of mind—both clinically and financially.

Alberta Dental Fee Guide: To ensure fair and predictable costs, our practice follows the current Alberta Dental Fee Guide. You will never be left guessing about the cost of your treatment.
Direct Billing: We offer direct billing to most major insurance providers. We handle the paperwork and submission on your behalf, so you can focus on feeling better rather than managing claims.

Meet Your Dentist

At 16th Avenue Dental, your care is led by Dr. My Le, a dedicated dentist with a patient-focused approach to diagnosing and managing TMJ-related concerns. Dr. Le takes the time to understand how bite alignment, jaw function, and muscle tension contribute to discomfort, headaches, and teeth grinding.

Using thorough assessments and non-invasive treatment options, Dr. Le works to relieve jaw strain, improve function, and help protect your long-term oral health. Patients appreciate the clear communication, personalized care, and commitment to comfort throughout every stage of treatment.

Frequently Asked Quetions

What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different things. TMJ stands for the Temporomandibular Joint—the actual hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorders, which is the medical term for the condition where this joint or the surrounding muscles are inflamed, painful, or dysfunctional. Essentially, you have a TMJ, but you may suffer from TMD.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth?

Not necessarily. A night guard is primarily a protective device. Its main job is to prevent your upper and lower teeth from touching, which saves your enamel from wearing down and prevents cracks. While the guard guides your jaw into a more relaxed position (which can reduce the intensity of clenching), it does not always stop the brain from sending the signal to grind. For patients who continue to clench heavily while wearing a guard, we may recommend therapeutic Botox® to relax the muscles directly.
Can I just use a store-bought mouthguard from the pharmacy?

We generally advise against this for TMJ patients. Over-the-counter “boil-and-bite” guards are often made of soft, rubbery materials. While they cover the teeth, this soft texture can actually trigger a “chewing reflex” in some patients, causing them to clench more during sleep. Additionally, if the fit is not precise, it can shift your bite and worsen jaw joint pain. A custom dental splint is made of durable, medical-grade material designed specifically to stabilize the joint, not just cover the teeth.
Can TMJ disorder go away on its own?

In mild cases, particularly those caused by temporary stress or a minor injury, symptoms may resolve with rest and home care (such as soft diets and warm compresses). However, for patients experiencing chronic clicking, locking (trismus), or persistent headaches, the condition rarely resolves without professional intervention. Ignoring long-term symptoms can lead to permanent joint damage or accelerated tooth wear, so early assessment is recommended.
How long does TMJ treatment take?

Because TMD is often a chronic condition rather than a simple infection, treatment is usually a process of management rather than a “quick fix.” Many patients feel relief from acute pain within a few weeks of using a custom splint or receiving therapeutic Botox®. However, achieving long-term stability may require ongoing maintenance, such as wearing your night guard while sleeping or performing daily jaw exercises
Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?
Coverage depends entirely on your specific dental plan.
- Custom Night Guards: These are frequently covered, often falling under “Major” or “Prosthodontic” categories, though some plans list them under “Basic” prevention.
- Therapeutic Botox: Standard dental insurance rarely covers Botox, even for medical needs. However, it is often an eligible expense for Health Spending Accounts (HSA) or Wellness Spending Accounts.
- We always recommend submitting a predetermination request so you know exact costs before starting treatment.