Daniel R. Melnick D.D.S

TMJ Treatments

Laurel, Columbia, Fulton, Silver Spring - Maryland

If you're in Laurel, Maryland, and need treatment for TMJ, please contact us at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry.

TMJ treatment is a combination of short and long-term therapies, done in three stages.

1. Relieve your muscle spasms and ease the pain
2. Slowly adjust your bite
3. Make the adjustment permanent

Relieving the pain with TMJ Treatment

Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (TENS)

• TENS relaxes the facial muscles and is much like a massage. This is preferable to muscle relaxing medications because it specifically targets the appropriate muscles and therefore is not debilitating
• TENS also stimulates the production of endorphins, your body's natural pain killer

Adjust the bite

Orthotic Appliance

Before any changes are made to the structure of the teeth, a temporary appliance helps to establish the proper bite, and greatly relieves symptoms. The appliance is worn for several months, and slowly and gently adjusts the way your jaw moves and meets the upper jaw.

As your jaw gradually modifies its movement, the appliance is also modified accordingly until your optimum bite is established.

Making the adjustment permanent

Re-shaping Teeth with TMJ Treatment

Dr. Melnick will reshape your teeth to maintain your new bite. This could consist of:

• Reshaping enamel
• Fitting crowns or bridges
• Going through orthodontic work to re-align your teeth

Dr. Melnick is the only TMJ specialist in Laurel, Maryland. He also serves patients in Columbia, Fulton, and Silver Spring. View our Before and After Gallery and read Testimonials from our patients, or contact us today for your initial TMJ treatment consultation.