Houston, TX TMD/TMJ Treatment
Chronic jaw pain, headaches, or jaw clicking? These could be signs of TMD (temporomandibular disorder), often referred to as TMJ issues. At Mia Orthodontics, we offer expert TMD/TMJ diagnosis and treatment in Houston, TX—combining advanced technology and patient-focused care to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
Led by board-certified orthodontist Dr. Alireza Hourfar, our team addresses jaw joint pain at its source. Whether it’s nighttime clenching, misaligned bite, or stress-related tension, we create personalized treatment plans that bring comfort—and a healthier smile—back into your routine.
What Is TMD/TMJ?
TMD (temporomandibular disorder) occurs when the muscles and joints that control your jaw become misaligned, strained, or inflamed. Symptoms can include:
- Jaw soreness or stiffness
- Pain or tenderness in the face, neck, or shoulders
- Headaches or migraines
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing your mouth
- Difficulty chewing or opening wide
- Tooth wear from clenching or grinding
Often, underlying bite issues—such as misaligned teeth or jaw alignment discrepancies—trigger these symptoms.
Comprehensive Diagnosis
At Mia Orthodontics, we use a thoughtful, thorough approach to identify TMD causes:
- Detailed patient history to understand pain patterns and habits
- Clinical jaw exams to observe joint movements and muscle tenderness
- Digital imaging and 3D scans to assess bite and jaw alignment
- Bite analysis to identify occlusal imbalances or deep bites
- Sleep and habit evaluation, considering teeth grinding or clenching at night
Our goal is to pinpoint the root cause of TMD—not just manage symptoms—so we can design a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Personalized Treatment Pathways
Our TMD solutions focus on realigning the bite, reducing jaw stress, and restoring comfort. Treatment options may include:
- Occlusal splints or night guards – Custom-fitted to reduce grinding and protect your teeth
- Orthodontic correction – Braces or clear aligners may be used to align your teeth and bite, relieving joint strain
- Occlusal adjustments – Minor reshaping of tooth surfaces to improve bite balance
- Myofunctional therapy referrals – Guided exercises to correct jaw posture and muscle use
- Relaxation & behavioral strategies – Techniques to reduce stress-related clenching
Every plan begins with non-invasive options. In more advanced cases, orthodontics may be combined with splints or bite adjustments to achieve long-term relief.
Benefits of Treatment
- Targeted relief from jaw and facial pain
- Reduced headaches and migraines linked to jaw tension
- Smoother jaw movement and less clicking or popping
- Protection from unwanted tooth wear and damage
- Improved sleep quality by limiting grinding at night
- Enhanced comfort through a properly balanced bite
Who Should Seek Care?
Consider booking a TMD/TMJ evaluation if you experience any of the following:
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Jaw pain, stiffness, or soreness
- Clicks, pops, or locking in the jaw
- Tooth wear from grinding or clenching
- Discomfort when chewing or opening wide
- Neck and shoulder tension linked to jaw habit
- Pain that fluctuates with stress or sleep disturbance
Whether mild or chronic, a check-in can prevent worsening pain and address small misalignments before they escalate.
Why Mia Orthodontics?
At Mia Orthodontics, we don’t just treat smiles—we enhance lives. Our TMD/TMJ care stands out because of:
- Expert leadership by board-certified orthodontist Dr. Hourfar
- Modern diagnostics including digital scans and bite analysis
- Integrated care combining splints, orthodontics, and therapy referrals
- Patient-first philosophy – precise, compassionate treatment focused on comfort
- Convenient access near Upper Kirby with flexible scheduling and same-day appliances where needed