Finding the Source of Your Symptoms
Dr. Maddahi evaluates jaw function, joint movement, bite alignment, and patterns of tooth wear to determine whether your symptoms stem from a joint disorder, a grinding habit, or both. This distinction matters because a nightguard that protects teeth from grinding may do little for a structural joint issue.
When findings suggest a contributing factor beyond general dentistry, such as a sleep-related breathing disorder, Dr. Maddahi coordinates with the appropriate specialist.
Conservative Treatment Based on Your Findings
Orris Dental focuses on conservative, reversible approaches as a first-line treatment. Depending on your evaluation, Dr. Maddahi may recommend:
- A custom-fitted nightguard to reduce clenching force and protect against further tooth wear
- Bite adjustment to relieve uneven pressure on specific teeth or the joint
- Targeted jaw exercises to improve mobility and reduce muscle tension
- Behavioral guidance for daytime clenching habits and stress-related triggers
- Referral for physical therapy or specialist evaluation when warranted
Treatment is adjusted over time based on how your symptoms respond. Some patients find significant relief with a nightguard alone; others benefit from a combination of approaches.
Jaw pain, chronic headaches, and worn-down teeth can all point to different underlying causes. Some patients clench or grind without realizing it. Others develop joint dysfunction that builds gradually over months. These conditions often overlap, and the symptoms alone don't tell the full story.