Personalized Solutions For Permanent Relief
If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, jaw pain, soreness, or stiffness, you may be suffering from TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction). It’s estimated that TMJ/TMD affects between 5-12% of adults, making it the most common type of jaw joint dysfunction.
At Ward Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Rachel Ward provides expert TMJ/TMD care in Omaha. Our team offers personalized treatment plans that can decrease pain, restore the function of your jaw joints, and get you back to your normal daily routine.
Understanding TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (often called both “TMJ” and “TMD” for short) is a condition that affects the joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. These are called the “temporomandibular joints,” and are located just beneath both of your ears.
In TMJ/TMD, these joints no longer function properly due to inflammation, joint damage, or misalignment. This typically results in symptoms including jaw pain, headaches, earaches, joint stiffness, the inability to open your mouth widely, and even clicking or popping noises when you move your mouth.
In severe cases, your jaw may “lock” in place, and you may be unable to move your jaw any further for several minutes at a time. If you recognize one or more of these symptoms, you may have TMJ/TMD.
What Causes TMJ/TMD?
TMJ/TMD is often hard to diagnose because it can be caused by a combination of different factors. Wondering what may raise your risk of developing TMJ/TMD? Here are some of the most common contributing factors:
- Chronic stress
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Trauma to the joint from a slip, fall, or blow to the face
- Arthritis and other inflammatory diseases
- Jaw overuse from habits like excessive gum chewing
- Misaligned teeth or a bad bite
- Alcohol and tobacco use
Understanding Your TMJ/TMD Treatment Options
Everyone’s TMJ/TMD is caused by something different. This means that there’s not usually a “one size fits all” solution. At Ward Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Rachel Ward will work closely with you to diagnose the root cause of your TMJ/TMD and develop an effective plan to treat it. Depending on your situation, your treatment plan could include:
Bite splints
At our office, Dr. Ward specializes in custom-fitted bite splints. These look similar to a plastic night guard for teeth grinding, or a retainer that you’d wear after orthodontic treatment. Bite splints are designed to shift your jaw into a healthier position while you sleep at night. This relieves strain on your jaw joints and encourages proper healing.
Orthodontics
If your TMJ/TMD is being caused by malocclusion (improper alignment of teeth), orthodontic treatments like clear aligner therapy or braces may be a good option for relief. With a straighter smile and a healthy bite, there will be much less strain on the temporomandibular joints.
Medication
Over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can help with pain and inflammation from TMJ/TMD. If you have a severe case, your physician may recommend other medications to help relieve your symptoms and encourage healing.
A Whole-Person Approach to TMJ/TMD Relief
At Ward Aesthetic Dentistry, we believe that true healing comes from understanding and treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. That’s why, in addition to targeted dental treatments, Dr. Rachel Ward takes a comprehensive look at your overall health, lifestyle, and daily habits when addressing TMJ/TMD pain.
Depending on your unique needs, she may recommend personalized lifestyle changes to support your recovery. These could include strategies for managing stress, adjusting your diet to include softer, anti-inflammatory foods, improving hydration, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and promoting better sleep. Every recommendation is made with your long-term health and comfort in mind—because your jaw doesn't work in isolation, and neither do we.
Multidisciplinary Approach
At Ward Aesthetic Dentistry, we take a comprehensive and collaborative approach to TMJ/TMD care. While gentle jaw stretches can often be helpful in reducing discomfort and improving mobility, we recognize that every patient’s needs are different, and effective treatment goes beyond a one-size-fits-all solution.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms and underlying causes, Dr. Rachel Ward may recommend guided support from trusted professionals as part of your personalized care plan. Our office is proud to partner with both a myofunctional therapist and a physical therapist, creating a unique, in-house team that works together to address the root of your condition, not just the symptoms.
By combining education, expert guidance, and community-based care, we’re here to help you regain function, reduce pain, and support your long-term wellness through truly integrated, whole-person treatment.
Compassionate, Experienced TMJ/TMD Care in Omaha
Dr. Rachel Ward brings years of experience—and personal understanding—to the treatment of TMJ/TMD disorders. Having dealt with jaw pain herself, she knows just how much it can impact your daily life, from eating and speaking to sleeping and simply feeling like yourself.
At Ward Aesthetic Dentistry, we take a thoughtful, personalized approach to care, combining clinical excellence with real empathy. With Dr. Ward’s guidance and a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, you can look forward to enjoying your favorite foods again, smiling with confidence, and living free from the constant burden of jaw pain and headaches.
Don’t wait to take the first step toward relief. Call our Omaha office or schedule your consultation—we’re here to help you feel like yourself again.