If you are living with jaw pain, headaches, or chronic clenching and grinding, you know how disruptive TMJ dysfunction can be to your daily life. Here at McCreight Progressive Dentistry, our approach to TMJ treatment in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, focuses on restoring balance between your teeth, muscles, and joints, helping you achieve lasting comfort, improved function and long-term oral health. Our dentists and team will work closely with you to determine the right type of treatment for your needs.
Understanding TMJ & Bite Imbalance
Jaw pain, clicking, clenching, and chronic headaches are common signs of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ or TMD). Your temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull and play a critical role in speaking, chewing, and daily function. When your bite is misaligned or the surrounding muscles are overworked, these joints can become strained and inflamed.
TMJ symptoms often stem from muscle hyperactivity, imbalance, and chronic tension in the muscles of mastication. Over time, this imbalance can place excessive pressure on the joints, contribute to tooth wear from grinding, and limit comfortable jaw movement. Effective TMJ treatment and bite correction focus on identifying the root cause of dysfunction and restoring harmony between the teeth, muscles, and joints.
Advanced TMJ Therapy with EMFACE®
EMFACE for TMJ offers a noninvasive, needle-free approach designed to support jaw muscle health and functional balance. This treatment combines synchronized radiofrequency (RF) with high-intensity focused electromagnetic stimulation (HIFES™) to address both overactive and underperforming muscles.
Radiofrequency gently heats the tissue to promote circulation and relaxation, while electromagnetic stimulation delivers controlled muscle contractions to retrain neuromuscular patterns. By working at the muscular level, EMFACE helps reduce strain on the temporomandibular joints and encourages more coordinated jaw function. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes, requires no downtime, and allows you to return to your daily routine immediately.
EmVital® Laser Therapy for Targeted Relief
EmVital laser therapy enhances TMJ care by delivering precise, hands-free topical tissue heating using a 1064 nm laser and TriHIL™ Technology. This advanced system supports muscle relaxation, improved circulation, and enhanced comfort in areas affected by tension and inflammation.
For patients experiencing jaw soreness, facial tightness, or limited mobility, EmVital helps reduce localized inflammation and promote functional recovery. When combined with EMFACE, this therapy addresses both neuromuscular imbalance and tissue tension, creating a comprehensive, energy-based approach to TMJ and bite correction.
Traditional Treatment Options for TMJ & Bite Correction
While advanced technologies offer innovative solutions, traditional dental therapies remain an important part of TMJ management. Custom night guards or occlusal splints can help protect teeth from grinding and reduce joint strain. Bite adjustments may be recommended to improve how your teeth come together. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can correct misalignment that contributes to muscle imbalance and joint stress. For more complex concerns, restorative procedures may be used to rebuild worn or damaged teeth and reestablish proper bite support.
A personalized evaluation helps our dentists determine which combination of TMJ and bite correction therapies in Steamboat Springs, CO, will best address your needs.
Benefits of TMJ Treatment
TMJ treatment can provide meaningful improvements in both comfort and long-term oral health. Benefits may include:
- Reduced jaw pain and muscle tension
- Fewer headaches and facial pressure
- Improved jaw mobility and smoother opening and closing
- Decreased clenching and grinding
- Protection against excessive tooth wear and fractures
- Reduced stress on dental restorations
- Enhanced overall bite balance and joint stability
- Improved quality of life and daily comfort
By restoring proper muscle coordination and bite alignment, TMJ therapy supports lasting function rather than temporary symptom relief.
When Is TMJ Treatment Recommended?
Our dentists may recommend TMJ treatment in Steamboat Springs, CO, if you are experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms such as:
- Chronic jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw joint
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully
- Frequent tension headaches or migraines
- Facial, neck, or shoulder tension
- Signs of teeth grinding, including worn, chipped, or sensitive teeth
- Jaw fatigue when chewing or speaking
- Bite changes or uneven tooth contact
Early evaluation and intervention can help prevent further joint damage and ongoing discomfort. A comprehensive examination allows your dental team to identify the underlying cause and design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Call 970-879-4703 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. James McCreight or Dr. Wendy McCreight and learn more about TMJ treatment in Steamboat Springs, Colorado!
