TMJ and Headache Therapy in Glen Ellyn, IL

Find Lasting Relief from Jaw Pain, Headaches & TMJ Symptoms

If you’re struggling with jaw pain, headaches, or clicking sounds when you open your mouth, you may be experiencing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or myofascial pain disorder (MFD). Both conditions can cause chronic headaches, facial pain, and even neck or shoulder tension that interferes with your daily life.

At Smile Glen Ellyn, our dentist near you offers TMJ and headache therapy in Glen Ellyn, IL, to help patients find relief from persistent discomfort. Whether your pain stems from a misaligned bite, jaw joint strain, or sleep bruxism, our customized TMJ treatment plans target the root cause of your condition so you can enjoy long-term comfort and improved oral health.

Call our Glen Ellyn dental clinic today at (630) 858-8800 to schedule your detailed TMJ evaluation. We proudly serve patients from Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, and throughout DuPage County.

Why Choose Smile Glen Ellyn for TMJ Therapy?

At Smile Glen Ellyn, Dr. Thomas Gibbs provides advanced TMJ treatment backed by specialized neuromuscular training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and the Pankey Institute for Occlusion. This means your care goes beyond basic bite guards—we focus on the full picture of your jaw function, bite alignment, and muscle health.

Patients choose us because we:

Provide personalized treatment plans based on thorough diagnostics
Offer both conservative and advanced therapies for lasting relief
Use the latest tools, including MRI imaging when needed, for accurate diagnosis
Help patients find relief from migraines, chronic headaches, and jaw pain that impact daily life

What Are TMJ Disorders?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull, supported by jaw muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When this system is out of balance—due to stress, injury, or a misaligned bite—it can lead to TMJ disorder (TMD) or myofascial pain disorder (MFD).

TMJ Disorder (TMD): Involves problems in the jaw joints, cartilage, and bite alignment.
MFD (Myofascial Pain Disorder): Involves pain and tension in the jaw muscles and surrounding tissues, often leading to chronic pain and tension headaches.

Common Symptoms of TMJ and MFD Include:

Frequent headaches or tension headaches
Jaw clicking, popping, or locking
Facial pain or soreness around the cheeks and temples
Neck pain and shoulder stiffness
Ear-related symptoms such as ringing, congestion, or fullness
Limited or painful jaw movement
Tooth pain, loose teeth, or unexplained dental discomfort

Whether you’re dealing with TMD or MFD, early intervention and proper treatment can help prevent long-term damage and restore balance to your jaw and muscles.

TMJ Pain, MFD, and Chronic Headaches: The Hidden Connection

Both TMJ disorder and MFD are frequently overlooked causes of chronic headaches, migraines, and facial pain. The jaw muscles and joints are deeply connected to the head and neck, and when they’re under strain, they can trigger:

Tension headaches behind the eyes
Migraines with jaw pain
Neck stiffness and shoulder pain
Facial pressure and tension headaches
Disrupted breathing during sleep from jaw misalignment, which can contribute to sleep apnea–related headaches

By treating your TMJ disorder, we can often reduce or even eliminate chronic headaches and related discomfort.

Do you think you’re dealing with TMJ disease? Call our Glen Ellyn dental practice today at (630) 858-8800 to schedule your detailed TMJ evaluation.

Solutions for TMJ Pain and Headaches

Your treatment plan will depend on whether your discomfort is primarily joint-related (TMD) or muscle-related (MFD). Treatment often starts conservatively and may include:

Oral appliance therapy (custom bite splints to reduce strain on the jaw)
NTI-TSS appliances to reduce tension in the jaw muscles and prevent teeth grinding
Orthodontics or restorative dentistry to correct a misaligned bite
Botox injections for relaxing overactive jaw muscles and reducing facial pain
Bite adjustments to restore harmony between your teeth and jaw
Physical therapy exercises to improve jaw mobility and reduce tension
Advanced imaging, like MRI, for complex cases

Our goal isn’t simply symptom management—we’re committed to helping Glen Ellyn area patients achieve lasting relief from TMJ pain and chronic headaches so you can return to enjoying life without constant discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between TMJ disorder and MFD?

TMJ disorder (TMD) affects the jaw joints, while myofascial pain disorder (MFD) is primarily muscle-related. Many patients have symptoms of both, which is why a detailed examination is essential.

How soon will I notice results from TMJ or MFD treatment?

Patients with MFD often feel relief within days after starting oral appliances, Botox therapy, or physical therapy exercises. More complex TMJ joint cases may take weeks or months to stabilize.

Can TMJ disorders go away on their own?

Sometimes mild TMJ symptoms improve with rest, stress management, or lifestyle changes. However, chronic TMJ pain typically requires proper treatment for lasting relief.

Does dental insurance cover TMJ therapy?

Insurance coverage for TMJ therapy varies by plan. Many insurers cover appliances or conservative treatments. Our team will help you understand your options and discuss flexible payment plans if needed.

Take the First Step Toward Headache Relief Today

Don’t let TMJ pain and chronic headaches keep you from enjoying your life. At Smile Glen Ellyn, we’re dedicated to helping patients in Glen Ellyn and the surrounding western suburbs find real, lasting relief with advanced TMJ therapy.

Call our Glen Ellyn dental office today at (630) 858-8800 to schedule your detailed examination and diagnosis with Dr. Gibbs. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that restores comfort, improves function, and helps you live pain-free.

Get in Touch

We’ve filled our website with information about our doctors, our team, and our services including family dentistry we offer, location, maps and business hours. Please feel free to take a look around to learn more about what we do and how we can help keep your smile healthy and stunning for a lifetime. We want you to feel confident that when you choose us, you’re choosing to receive the best dental care available.