TMJ at Alpers

If you’ve been struggling with ongoing jaw pain, headaches, or a clicking jaw, it could be more than just stress — it might be a TMJ disorder. At Alpers Dental in Epsom, Auckland, we offer personalised TMJ treatment to help relieve pain and restore natural jaw function.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull, located just in front of your ears. It plays a vital role in everyday actions like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When this joint becomes strained, inflamed, or misaligned, it can lead to TMJ disorders (TMD) — a group of conditions that cause pain and restricted jaw movement.

Common TMJ disorder symptoms include:

Jaw pain or tenderness
Pain around the ears or temples
Facial discomfort
Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
Pain when chewing

If you’re experiencing these symptoms and are looking for TMJ treatment in Auckland, Alpers Dental can help.

TMJ Disorder Treatments at Alpers Dental
We take a tailored, multidisciplinary approach to treating TMD, depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms:

Bite Splints/Night Guards: Custom-made to support and realign the jaw, easing tension during sleep.

Botox for TMJ: Small, targeted doses help relax overactive jaw muscles and reduce pain.

Orthodontic Treatment: If bite misalignment is contributing to your TMJ issues, braces or aligners may offer long-term relief.

Restorative Dentistry: Replacing or reshaping teeth that are disrupting your bite can help improve jaw balance.

Craniosacral Therapy: A gentle manual therapy designed to improve fluid flow and reduce joint tension around the head and neck.

Whether your discomfort is mild or chronic, our team is here to provide TMJ relief in Auckland that’s safe, effective, and tailored to your needs

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How do I know if I have TMJ?

There is no way to diagnose yourself, but there are common symptoms you can look for. If you have any of these symptoms and they don’t resolve on their own, you will need to see a dentist for an official diagnosis and treatment plan.

In most cases, jaw, ear, or facial pain is temporary and resolves on its own. However, if the pain is persistent and over the counter medications or home remedies no longer work, give us a call.

Common signs and symptoms include:

- Pain in your jaw
- Jaw is tender to the touch
- Ear pain
- You have pain while chewing
- Facial pain that you would describe as ‘achy’
- Locking of the jaw joint — getting stuck in an open or closed position
- Headaches

What causes TMJ disorders?

You may suffer from TMD due to any of the following reasons:

Trauma; whiplash, any head injury, or blow to the jaw can cause damage to the skull or jaws.

Stress; teeth grinding or clenching is a common side effect of stress and can be a cause of TMD. Even without teeth grinding, some patients still experience TMJ problems due to fatigue.

Oral Habits; nail biting, chewing ice, grinding teeth, thumb-sucking, or resting the chin on the hands can contribute to TMJ disorders.
Intubation; if you were hospitalized and a tube was inserted in your throat, the tube may have applied too much force on your jaw, causing pain and discomfort.

Overworked Jaw; chewing gum too frequently can strain the jaw and cause pain. If you work in an industry or engage in activities where your head and neck is often shaking (e.g. using a jackhammer), you also may experience TMD.

Hypermobility; teens, particularly girls, tend to be hypermobile due to changes in hormones, making the jaws more movable and prone to injury and dislocation.

Arthritis; can affect any joint, including the jaw joint.

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed