TMJ / Bruxism Treatment
Henderson, Nevada
Jaw pain, headaches, and worn-down teeth can quietly chip away at your quality of life. If you wake up with a sore jaw, hear popping or clicking when you chew, or notice your teeth wearing down or becoming more sensitive, you may be dealing with TMJ issues or bruxism (clenching and grinding). These problems are common, but they are not something you have to live with.
Dr. George Harouni offers custom TMJ and bruxism treatment that focuses on comfort, function, and long-term protection of your teeth and jaw joints. Using precise diagnostics, custom orthotic appliances, or Invisalign when tooth position is part of the problem, he builds a plan that fits your individual needs and your lifestyle.
To relieve jaw pain and tension, protect teeth from grinding damage, and improve how your bite and jaw joints work together.
Uses a precisely fitted orthotic, similar to a night guard, to guide your jaw into a healthier position and reduce clenching and grinding.
Most patients notice relief within days to weeks of wearing their orthotic, with bite and muscle balance improving over several months.
With regular wear, checkups, and home care, your orthotic and bite improvements can protect your teeth and jaw joints for many years.
TMJ and bruxism treatment focuses on calming overworked jaw muscles, protecting teeth from grinding, and improving how your upper and lower teeth meet. TMJ refers to problems with the temporomandibular joints, which connect your jaw to your skull. Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding, often during sleep, that puts extra stress on your jaw joints and teeth.
At our office, treatment usually starts with a custom orthotic appliance. This is a clear, smooth device that fits over your teeth, similar to a night guard, but made to support your jaw in a healthier position.
In some cases, tooth position is part of the problem. When that happens, Dr. Harouni may recommend Invisalign to gently move teeth into better alignment so your bite can function more comfortably and evenly.
Your experience starts with a detailed consultation. Dr. Harouni will listen to your symptoms, review your medical and dental history, and examine your teeth, muscles, and jaw joints. He may check your range of motion, feel for muscle tenderness, and look for signs of wear or fractures on your teeth that point to clenching or grinding.
If a custom orthotic is right for you, we will take digital scans or impressions of your teeth. These are used to create a precise appliance that fits comfortably and supports your jaw in a more stable position. Once your orthotic is ready, you will return for a fitting. Dr. Harouni will fine-tune the bite on the appliance so it feels natural and does not interfere with speaking or breathing.
TMJ and bruxism treatment can ease a wide range of symptoms that often feel confusing or unrelated at first. Common concerns include:
Aching or fatigue in the jaw, especially in the morning or after long conversations or meals.
Dull, tension-style headaches around the temples, behind the eyes, or along the cheeks.
Noises or catching in the jaw joints when you open, close, or move your jaw side to side.
Flattened, shortened, or chipped teeth from long-term grinding or clenching.
Heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure due to enamel wear or small fractures.
Muscle tension that starts in the jaw and spreads to nearby areas.
Choosing professional, custom-tailored therapy with Dr. Harouni provides immediate advantages that protect both your long-term health and your the aesthetics of your smile.
Lasting Elimination of Pain
By properly positioning the jaw and preventing clenching, a custom orthotic allows hyperactive facial muscles to finally relax. Within days of beginning therapy, most patients notice a significant reduction in morning headaches, jaw stiffness, and generalized facial fatigue, allowing them to start their day feeling refreshed.
Comprehensive Protection for Dental Work
If you have invested in high-end cosmetic or restorative care—such as porcelain veneers, implants, or zirconia crowns—protecting them from the destructive forces of bruxism is vital. A custom orthotic absorbs biting pressures, saving your restorations and natural teeth from fractures or premature wear.
Root-Cause Correction with Invisalign
When joint pain is caused by malocclusion (a misaligned bite), simply cushioning the teeth is a temporary fix. By utilizing Invisalign clear aligners, Dr. Harouni can gently guide your teeth into a harmonious, balanced position. This permanently corrects how your upper and lower jaws meet, removing unnatural stress on the joints.
If you routinely wake up with facial soreness, suffer from unexplained chronic headaches, notice your teeth looking shorter or chipped, or hear a loud popping sound when you chew, you are an excellent candidate for professional TMJ and bruxism therapy. This treatment is highly beneficial for adults of all ages who want to eliminate pain and stop the silent destruction of their enamel before it leads to nerve exposure or tooth loss.
During your comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Harouni will carefully assess your joint health and bite architecture. If your TMJ issues are localized to muscle strain and minor misalignment, a custom night appliance or Invisalign is the safest, most effective path forward.
If an advanced joint injury or severe internal degradation is detected, Dr. Harouni will guide you through your specialized options, ensuring your treatment path is transparent, safe, and highly personalized.
Because our orthotic jaw therapies are non-invasive, there is no post-treatment downtime. Adjusting to wearing a custom orthotic at night is typically simple and comfortable.
Most patients find that because the appliance instantly relieves joint pressure, it actually helps them fall asleep more easily. If you undergo Invisalign therapy to correct your bite, you may feel minor, temporary pressure for the first day or two of each new aligner tray—a normal sign that your teeth are safely moving into a balanced, healthier position.
The clinical results of custom orthotic therapy are both fast-acting and transformative. You can expect a dramatic reduction in facial muscle fatigue and tension headaches within your first few weeks of consistent use.
Visually, the progressive flattening and wear on your teeth will stop. By committing to wearing your custom appliance nightly, protecting your teeth with routine cleanings, and allowing Dr. Harouni to monitor your bite, your TMJ joints and smile will stay comfortable and fully protected for life.
Treating complex TMJ and bruxism issues demands a specialized understanding of neuromuscular bite dynamics. Dr. George Harouni brings 28 years of elite dental experience—with 26 of those years dedicated to our Henderson community—to your care. His clinical mastery is why he has been named Best Dentist for 24 consecutive years and why the UNLV School of Dental Medicine employs him as a part-time clinical professor to train future dentists.
Our state-of-the-art Henderson facility is beautifully designed, with sweeping windows and open spaces flooded with soothing natural light. We respect your schedule with efficient appointments that start on time. Experience premium, compassionate jaw care tailored completely around you.
Many patients notice some relief in jaw tension or morning soreness within the first few days to weeks of wearing their orthotic. More complete improvement, especially for long-standing symptoms, can take several weeks to a few months as muscles and joints adapt.
Most people wear their orthotic at night, when clenching and grinding are strongest. In some cases, Dr. Harouni may suggest wearing it for part of the day as well, especially during stressful times or activities that trigger clenching. Your plan will be tailored to your habits and comfort.
Invisalign can help when bite alignment is a major part of the problem, but it is rarely the only answer. TMJ issues usually involve muscles, joints, and habits as well as tooth position. For that reason, Invisalign is often combined with an orthotic and other supportive care for the best results.
Coverage for TMJ and bruxism treatment varies by plan. Some dental plans help with custom appliances, while others offer limited or no coverage. Our team can review your benefits, provide a cost estimate, and explain flexible financing options so you can choose what works best for you.
