When you have an irregular or painful bite it can affect many aspects of your life. You may experience pain when eating, talking, and even sleeping. This could make you self-conscious or scared to do everyday activities. Dr. Martin has over 2000+ hours of post-residency training, and he is here to create balance in your bite so you do not have to worry about living your life.
If you want a harmonious and functional bite then contact James Martin, DMD, today to schedule an appointment!
What Is TMD?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) refers to a range of conditions that cause pain or dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the joint connecting your jaw to your skull. While some people use “TMJ” to describe jaw pain or dysfunction, the term formally refers to the joint itself. TMD encompasses any disorder or discomfort affecting this joint. A dentist or TMJ specialist can provide a formal diagnosis, often using advanced technology to evaluate your bite and assess your symptoms comprehensively.
Symptoms of TMD
- Jaw Pain or Tenderness | Pain in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles, often worsening with jaw movement.
- Difficulty Chewing | Discomfort or pain while eating, or the feeling that your bite is misaligned.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds | Audible noises when opening or closing the mouth, sometimes accompanied by pain.
- Limited Jaw Movement | Difficulty opening your mouth fully, which can be called “lockjaw” if it is severe enough.
- Headaches or Migraines | Persistent headaches, often in the temples, due to muscle tension around the jaw.
- Ear Pain or Ringing | A sensation of pressure, ringing (tinnitus), or pain in the ears unrelated to infection.
- Facial Pain | Discomfort around the cheeks, temples, or jawline, sometimes radiating to the neck or shoulders.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) | Clenching or grinding teeth, especially during sleep, which contributes to stress on the TMJ.
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a dentist or healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.
The Benefits of Treating Your TMJ Pain
You may be wondering why you need to treat your TMD. For some people, TMD is only inconvenient, but for others, it can cause daily pain and discomfort. No matter your level of TMD, treatment has many benefits:
- Enhanced Quality of Life | Treating TMD can restore comfort, confidence, and ease in daily activities, improving overall physical and mental well-being.
- Preps You For Further Treatments | Sometimes you need to reduce your TMJ symptoms before we can offer you restorative treatments, especially if you are grinding your teeth.
- Reduces Wear and Tear on Your Teeth | Bruxism and other grinding symptoms can wear your teeth down, decreasing your oral health and stressing your gums.
- Whole-Body Health Improvement | Treating TMD prevents the cascading effects of the condition, such as poor posture, stress-induced tension, or digestive issues caused by difficulty chewing.
- Better Sleep Quality | Resolving TMJ issues like teeth grinding or clenching can lead to more restful, uninterrupted sleep.
The most important improvement is the reduction of pain in your daily life. If you are ready to enjoy a comfortable smile once again, reach out to Dr. Martin immediately to learn about our treatment options!

WHAT WE OFFER
There are many solutions to bite problems and every dentist will handle them differently. Here at James Martin, DMD, we use the latest technology and techniques to elevate your bite for a healthier life. Some of the treatments we offer are:
TMJ ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT
During a regular general dentistry visit or during our specialized new patient consultation we will evaluate the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. This will help us determine a treatment plan that is specific to your needs and create a well-functioning and pain-free bite. If you have complaints of your jaw hurting or notice other symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule an evaluation.
NIGHT GUARDS FOR BITE PROTECTION
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can affect a lot more than just your teeth. It can cause headaches, restless sleep, and disrupt your partner. One way to fix this is through night guards, with our dental technology, these are custom-fitted to your mouth to give you a comfortable and secure fit.
Not only will this guard protect your teeth all night but it will create a relaxed jaw and improved sleep.
THE KOIS CENTER BITE STUDY
This diagnostic tool will analyze and evaluate your bite dynamics to provide an accurate diagnosis and customized care. With our commitment to health consciousness, we utilize The Kois Center’s bite study to pursue optimal oral health and function in your smile.
Orthodontic Solutions
Sometimes malocclusions are the reason for misaligned jaws. Invisalign can help your jaw be positioned correctly. Malocclusions can place stress on your jaw because it is positioned incorrectly. If Invisalign cannot address your malocclusion we will recommend you to an orthodontist near you in Lafayette, CO, to help you relieve your pain.
Come Visit Us for a Holistic Look at Your Jaw
Before receiving intense and irreversible treatment, come to us for a holistic and health-conscious approach. We will identify and address the root causes of bite issues and take a comprehensive approach to repair your bite issues, protect your oral health, and improve your overall well-being.
Addressing the Root Cause of Your Pain
Many things can cause TMJ pain. That is why we might suggest lifestyle adjustments along with our dentistry treatments. Here are some common causes of TMD:
- Genetics
- Stress
- Malocclusions of the Jaw
- Dental Trauma
- Inflammation
We may recommend exercises, an anti-inflammatory diet, or orthodontic work to solve your pain once we understand the underlying causes.
James Martin, DMD, is Here for You
Dr. Martin has over 2000+ post-residency hours. He is highly equipped to find solutions for your jaw pain, no matter the underlying cause. His training from the Kois center allows him to effectively use the Kois bite study technology, and come up with solutions that work for you.
You can learn more about Dr. Martin and his extensive training here.
Advanced Technology and Comfort
Dr. Martin’s office offers unique technology such as the Kois bite study and intraoral scanning that allows us to get a complete picture of your oral health and jaw health. With these essential pieces of technology, we can begin to permanently address your jaw pain.
Our office is comfortable and conveniently located in Lafayette, Colorado, making it easy for you to get the care you need.
Can TMD Be Prevented?
Some forms of TMD can be prevented. Preventing TMJ pain starts with maintaining good habits that reduce strain on your jaw and its supporting muscles.

- Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth by practicing relaxation techniques, particularly during periods of stress. If you find yourself clenching during the day, try to be mindful of keeping your jaw relaxed, with your teeth slightly apart and your tongue resting gently on the roof of your mouth.
- It’s also essential to avoid overworking your jaw. Limit excessive chewing, such as gum or tough foods, and avoid habits like biting your nails or chewing on pens.
- Practicing good posture—keeping your head aligned with your shoulders—can prevent unnecessary strain on your jaw and neck muscles.
- Incorporating gentle jaw exercises or stretches into your routine can also help strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve flexibility.
By maintaining these habits and scheduling regular dental checkups, you can minimize the risk of TMJ pain and keep your jaw healthy and functional.
FAQs for TMJ and TMD
We understand that treatment and getting answers can be a confusing process! We are here to help. Reach out to our office today or read below.
Can TMJ Pain Go Away on Its Own?
Mild TMJ pain may resolve temporarily with rest or lifestyle changes, but chronic or severe TMD often requires professional intervention to address the underlying cause and prevent further complications.
What Should I Do if My Jaw Locks Open or Closed?
If your jaw locks, remain calm and avoid forcing it open or closed. Contact Dr. Martin’s office immediately for guidance and treatment. If it is causing you severe pain or completely preventing you from speaking, consider visiting an urgent care, especially if this is after regular hours.
Can Stress Management Help with TMJ Pain?
Yes, reducing stress can minimize jaw clenching and tension, which are common contributors to TMJ pain. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, stretching, or jaw exercises can be beneficial.
How Are Headaches Related to TMJ?
Headaches are a common symptom of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and are often caused by muscle tension and inflammation in the jaw area. When the TMJ is not functioning properly, the surrounding muscles—such as those in the face, neck, and temples—can become overworked or strained. This tension frequently radiates upward, resulting in headaches, particularly in the temples or forehead.
In addition to tension headaches, TMJ issues can also contribute to migraines. Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism), common with TMJ disorders, puts additional stress on the muscles and nerves, triggering or intensifying migraine symptoms.
If you experience frequent headaches along with symptoms like jaw pain, clicking sounds, or limited jaw movement, your headaches may be linked to TMJ dysfunction.
FORTIFY YOUR SMILE TODAY!
A balanced and functional bite is fundamental to your oral health. Contact our dental team to schedule an appointment to see what will work for your bite.
About Dr. Martin
Dr. James Martin received his doctorate in dentistry from Boston University in 2011 and then completed a one-year residency at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. He continues to travel all around the world to attend at least 200 hours a year of continuing education from the leaders in the field. Dr. Martin is also a Kois-trained dentist in order to provide top aesthetic and long-term oral health care. Dr. Martin blends innovation with personalized attention for a healthier, more radiant smile.
