Jaw pain, headaches, and muscle tension can make daily life frustrating. Many people with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems feel stuck in a cycle of discomfort and uncertainty about treatment. At our New Hanover County dental practice, our team uses a structured approach called orthotic therapy to help patients find relief and build a long-term path to stability.

Regular care through general dentistry also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums, which supports jaw comfort and overall oral health

How Orthotic Therapy Helps TMJ Symptoms

An orthotic is a custom-made appliance designed to hold your jaw more comfortably. Reducing strain on muscles and joints can ease pain and support healthy function. Unlike a standard nightguard, which mostly protects teeth from wear, a TMJ orthotic is therapeutic—it helps retrain your bite and muscles.

This type of care is sometimes referred to as oral appliance therapy for TMJ, but at Kuzma Advanced Dentistry, the focus is on a precision-made orthotic designed from digital measurements of your bite. Oral appliance therapy:

  • Relieves muscle tension after relaxation therapy
  • Supports jaw movement in a healthier position
  • Creates a pathway to lasting stability

Our Neuromuscular Approach

TMJ therapy at our New Hanover County dental office is grounded in neuromuscular principles. This means we look at how teeth, muscles, and joints all interact, not just where your teeth touch. By combining hands-on evaluation with modern diagnostics, Dr. Michael Kuzma and Dr. Hailey Kuzma can pinpoint the root cause of pain and design care beyond short-term relief.

  • Muscle activity and jaw motion are measured with precision
  • Digital bite analysis provides more accurate insight than bite paper alone
  • Therapy is aligned with comfort, function, and esthetics

Step 1: The Diagnostic Visit

Your journey begins with a thorough exam. This visit focuses on understanding your symptoms, evaluating your jaw function, and collecting accurate data. Just as with general dentistry checkups, these diagnostics are essential for identifying issues early and building a foundation for lasting health. This data-driven approach sets the foundation for personalized treatment and includes:

  • A comprehensive review of medical and dental history
  • TMJ exam: muscle tenderness, joint sounds, and motion range
  • Digital mapping of bite forces and muscle activity

Step 2: Creating Your Custom Orthotic

Once the diagnostic phase reveals your optimal jaw position, a custom orthotic is created. This appliance is fabricated to fit comfortably and hold your jaw in that therapeutic position during daily life.

  • Tailored to your relaxed, balanced jaw position
  • Designed for consistent and comfortable wear
  • Easy-to-follow instructions for use and cleaning

Day-to-Day With Your Orthotic

Daily life with an orthotic becomes routine during the first several weeks. While it may feel different at first, most patients adapt quickly and notice gradual symptom relief.

Wear Schedule and Comfort Tips

Wearing your orthotic consistently is key to success. The schedule is usually extensive, covering both daytime and nighttime hours. Some minor adjustments may be needed to eliminate pressure points.

  • Wear as directed by your dentist during the day and night
  • Avoid skipping use on stressful or active days
  • Report any persistent discomfort for quick adjustment

Eating, Speaking, and Cleaning

Adapting to meals and conversations is normal during the adjustment period. With time, most patients find that speech feels natural and eating is easier.

  • Begin with softer foods and add variety gradually
  • Rinse after meals and gently brush the appliance daily
  • Store it in a protective case when not in use

Check-Ins and Adjustments

Follow-up appointments are scheduled in the first two months to monitor progress. These visits are important for fine-tuning your appliance and measuring how your body is responding.

What Happens at Follow-Ups

Check-ins are efficient and focused on improvement. Using digital bite analysis, your dentist can make precise refinements based on both data and your symptom log.

  • Repeat digital measurements to compare results over time
  • Adjust the orthotic for balance and comfort
  • Review daily progress and refine your plan

Tracking Progress Between Visits

Patients are encouraged to keep simple notes about their symptoms. This helps identify triggers and track steady improvement.

  • Record headaches, jaw soreness, and comfort while chewing
  • Note when symptoms are worse (stress, long drives, certain foods)
  • Share your log at each appointment

Expanding Activities as Symptoms Improve

After several weeks, many patients notice significant progress. This stage focuses on expanding your activity levels while ensuring your bite remains stable.

  • Gradually add firmer foods to your diet
  • Pay attention to posture and sleep habits that affect jaw health
  • Discuss headache treatment options if clenching remains an issue

Transitioning to Long-Term Stability

Orthotic therapy is designed to reduce symptoms and identify your healthy jaw position. Once your bite is consistently comfortable, the next step is to hold that position without the appliance.

Options to Stabilize Your Bite

Your long-term plan may include orthodontic treatment, restorative dentistry, or conservative bite adjustments to lock in the benefits achieved with the orthotic. For patients who want to enhance the look of their smile as well as their bite, cosmetic dentistry
options such as veneers or bonding may also be recommended.

  • Orthodontics to align teeth properly
  • Restorative dentistry to rebuild worn teeth
  • Bite refinements to maintain balance

How the Right Path Is Chosen

Your dentist will weigh multiple factors—symptom trends, digital data, and exam findings—to create a predictable and personalized treatment plan.

  • Review improvement patterns over time
  • Evaluate which areas still show stress or tenderness
  • Align final treatment with durability and esthetics

Long-Term Maintenance and Prevention

Even after stabilization, maintaining your jaw health is important. Regular checkups and preventive steps keep your results consistent.

  • Periodic bite evaluations to monitor balance
  • At-home stretching or exercises for jaw muscles
  • Nightguards if clenching returns during stressful periods

TMJ Headaches vs. Other Types of Headaches

Headaches are a common TMJ symptom, but not every headache comes from your jaw. Our dentists in New Hanover County help patients identify whether bite issues are contributing and coordinate care if another cause is suspected.

  • TMJ-related headaches often come with jaw soreness, ear pressure, or bite changes
  • Sudden or unusual headaches may signal medical concerns requiring evaluation
  • Coordinated care ensures safe and effective solutions

Meet Your Care Team

Dr. Michael J. Kuzma, DDS, FAGD, and Dr. Hailey Kuzma, DMD, are committed to helping patients find relief from TMJ disorders through careful evaluation and data-driven therapy. In addition to TMJ care, our practice provides general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry services, ensuring that every aspect of your smile is supported

  • Technology-supported exams and adjustments
  • Clear communication at every stage
  • A focus on lasting results that improve daily life

Take the Next Step Toward TMJ Relief

If you are struggling with jaw pain or headaches, orthotic therapy may help you find both short-term relief and long-term stability. At our New Hanover County dental practice, we use advanced diagnostics and a structured treatment plan to address TMJ problems at the root.

Call us today at (910) 392-6060 to schedule your consultation and begin your path to comfort.