At Smile312, our Chicago dental team is dedicated to providing exceptional care for every smile. From routine checkups to advanced treatments, we combine expertise, compassion, and modern technology to keep your teeth healthy and your experience stress-free. Discover dentistry that puts your comfort and wellness first.
At Smile 312 Chicago's Premier Dentist, we treat patients suffering from chronic jaw pain regularly. When inflammation or injury affects the jaw joints, it can cause increased discomfort that manifests throughout the neck, jaw, and head. Dr. Mahler strives to minimize the pain and alleviate pressure in these areas by recommending TMJ treatment in Chicago. Using custom occlusal splints and equilibration, we can improve a person’s oral mobility, which, in turn, positively affects their total-body health. Let us know how we can help by calling our dental office today.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, also referred to as TMD, is a condition that occurs when the joints located on either side of the head, at the base of the skull, become inflamed or injured. Pain is often the most noticeable symptom, but others can form as well, making it difficult to eat, speak, yawn, and perform other oral movements. Without timely treatment, the condition can worsen, hindering your quality of life.
As previously mentioned, pain is often the first indicator that there is a problem; however, other TMJ symptoms can be easily spotted, such as:
When seeking Dr. Mahler’s help for TMJ, his 30+ years of experience affords him the ability to make recommendations based on his training and advanced expertise. After visually examining and using diagnostic imaging to pinpoint the problem, he will develop a treatment plan that indicates what he is prepared to do to improve the state of your overall health.
One option may be equilibration or occlusal adjustment, which involves reshaping certain teeth so that your bite functions normally, and your jaw joints no longer sustain the kind of pressure they once did. Another solution is a custom-made occlusal splint, which is created using digital impressions of your mouth.
The device is fabricated by lab technicians and is worn either throughout the day, to bed at night, or both. Not only does it create a barrier between teeth to minimize bruxism (if that is a problem), but it also alleviates pressure and tension placed on the jaw joints so that they function correctly and more fluidly.
After having to live with constant pain in your jaw, you’re probably more than ready to take the first steps toward relief. Before you begin your TMJ treatment, however, it’s important to clear up any questions or concerns that you might have. You are always welcome to ask anything that might be on your mind when you visit Dr. Mahler for a consultation, but before that, you can check to see if we have already provided the answers you need in the following FAQs.
Some insurance plans do help pay for TMJ treatment. However, there are some crucial details to keep in mind:
Rest assured that our team is ready to help you navigate your dental insurance coverage and show you the best way to maximize your benefits.
There are surgical treatments for TMJ disorder, but they aren’t always necessary; in fact, it’s generally preferable to try less invasive methods first. Occlusal splints and occlusal adjustments can both go a long way toward putting a stop to your TMJ-related pain without the need for a surgical approach. Generally speaking, surgery should be seen as a last resort for dealing with TMJ disorder; you should only pursue it if other treatment methods have already been tried and have failed to yield the desired outcome.
TMJ disorder doesn’t have to be something you live with for the rest of your life. In fact, it isn’t unheard of for the discomfort to eventually go away on its own. That said, when exploring options for TMJ treatment, it’s important to note that some methods are only meant to provide temporary relief. However, this is not the case for occlusal splints and occlusal adjustments; both treatments are meant to address the source of your TMJ disorder, and as such they tend to have lasting results.
The exact length of time needed to find relief with TMJ treatment is different for each patient. When wearing an occlusal splint, it can take weeks or even months for symptoms to go away. Meanwhile, with an occlusal adjustment, relief often comes relatively quickly, although precisely how quickly depends on the types of changes that have to be made. When you come to our office for a solution for a TMJ disorder, we can go over the available treatment options in more detail and help you set realistic expectations for what the timeline will look like.
Our patients’ satisfaction is our top priority. From routine checkups to advanced dental care, we make sure every smile leaves our office healthier and happier.
I can't recommend Dr. Mahler highly enough! He is the best dentist I have ever had, combining exceptional professionalism with deep knowledge and expertise. His team is equally outstanding, making every visit smooth and pleasant. I first came to him after a distressing experience with another dentist, and Dr. Mahler... read more
Ana M.Dr Mahler has been my dentist for over 30 years. Simple cleaning this time. He had done a crown and filled cavities. I have brought family and friends to him. Personable and lets you know what needs to be done . I highly recommend him.
Tony B.Loved my visit friendly staff and Dr. Mahler is so knowledgeable he listened and asked me great questions about my health
Neha P.I walked in to see the dentist for a consultation. I thought I would be turned back due to not having an appointment. Amazingly, the doctor welcomed me, examined me in a professional and friendly way. Frankly, he took the time to check my teeth and explained in details his... read more
Saif A.Always superb.
Pietro B.Thanks Dr. Mahler and the dental assistants for providing a professional and excellent service. Update: Dr. Mahler is the best dentist I have had after I visited some other dentists. He is very patient, professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy. He fixed my old crown and recommended another oral surgery expert Dr. Zager... read more
Song W.When I first arrived at Smile312, my mouth was in complete disarray—I honestly didn’t even know where to begin. That all changed when I met Dr. Mohler. From our very first interaction, he established a sense of trust and professionalism that immediately put me at ease. He took the time... read more
Kimberly R.The staff is very friendly and helpful. The care I receive is exceptional and the interest regarding my overall health is comforting and reassuring that I am being listened to not just regarding my dental health.
Michael D.Dr. Mahler really took his time with me and made me feel listened to. The consultation I had was a very positive experience.
Hanna K.We were seen promptly. The receptionist was pleasant and efficient. Dr Mahler was exceedingly personable and thorough and explained everything in detail. The office was organized and clean with very modern equipment. All aspects of the visit were first rate
kenneth f.