TMJ treatment in Mount Laurel, NJ addresses one of the more common — and often misunderstood — sources of jaw discomfort: temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ/TMD. If you’re dealing with jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, or a clicking and popping jaw, Dr. Len Ellis or Dr. Simona Lekht can evaluate whether a custom oral appliance may help ease the strain.
The most common starting point is a custom-made oral appliance — a splint or mouthguard, worn at night or during the day — that helps hold your jaw in a more relaxed position. That small shift can meaningfully reduce the pressure and tension driving your symptoms.
It’s worth being upfront about something important here: TMJ disorders cover more than 30 different conditions, and not every case responds the same way to the same treatment. Conservative, reversible options — like a custom appliance, along with simple self-care — are usually the right place to start. More involved treatments like physical therapy, medication, or (in rare, severe cases) surgery are typically reserved for when simpler approaches haven’t helped.
Some patients with jaw pain also ask us about snoring or poor sleep. If that sounds familiar, read about sleep apnea therapy. If your bite problem comes from how the jaws grew, see how surgical orthodontics works.
Here’s how TMJ treatment works at our Mount Laurel office:
- 1
Free consultation and evaluation
Dr. Ellis or Dr. Lekht discusses your symptoms — pain, clicking, headaches, or chewing difficulty — and examines your jaw joint.
- 2
Conservative treatment first
In most cases, a custom oral appliance and simple self-care steps are the starting point.
- 3
Custom appliance fitting
If an appliance is recommended, it’s built specifically around your bite for the best fit.
- 4
Follow-up and adjustment
We check how your symptoms are responding and adjust your appliance as needed.
- 5
Referral when appropriate
For more complex or persistent cases, we’ll be honest about when it’s time to involve physical therapy or another specialist.
What Should You Expect From TMJ Treatment?
Conservative care first
A custom appliance and simple self-care are usually the first step, not surgery or permanent dental work.
A custom TMJ splint in Mount Laurel, NJ
Every TMJ appliance is custom-fitted, not an over-the-counter mouthguard.
Honest about limits
If your case needs more than appliance therapy can offer, we’ll say so and help you find the right next step.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
What causes TMJ pain?
TMJ disorders (TMD) cover a range of conditions affecting the jaw joint and chewing muscles — causes can include jaw injury, teeth grinding, arthritis, or simply how your bite comes together.
Will a mouthguard fix my TMJ pain permanently?
For many patients, a custom appliance meaningfully eases symptoms, but TMJ disorders vary widely — some cases need additional care like physical therapy, and appliance therapy isn’t a guaranteed permanent fix for everyone.
Is jaw surgery ever necessary for TMJ?
Rarely, and only for specific, severe cases where conservative treatment hasn’t helped — it’s considered a last resort, not a first option.
How do I know if my jaw clicking is something to worry about?
Occasional, painless clicking is common and not always a concern; clicking paired with pain, locking, or chewing difficulty is worth a consultation.
Can TMJ treatment help with headaches?
For some patients, yes — jaw tension and headaches are often connected, though your provider will evaluate your specific symptoms before recommending treatment.
What can I do at home to ease TMJ symptoms?
Simple steps often help: eat softer foods for a while, avoid gum and wide yawns, apply moist heat or a cold pack to the sore area, and try to notice daytime clenching. These habits work alongside an appliance, not in place of an exam.
How long will I wear a TMJ splint?
It varies. Some patients wear a splint at night for a few months, others longer. We check your symptoms at follow-up visits and adjust the plan, and we’ll tell you if it’s time to try a different approach.
Should I see an orthodontist or a dentist for jaw pain?
Either is a reasonable first stop. An orthodontist looks closely at how your bite and jaw joints work together. If your symptoms point to something outside our scope, we’ll refer you to the right provider.
Reviewed by Dr. Len Ellis, orthodontist. Last updated October 2026.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, conservative, reversible treatments are the recommended starting point for most TMJ disorders, with surgery reserved for rare, severe cases.
TMJ Jaw Pain Orthodontist Near Me: Serving South Jersey
If you need jaw clicking treatment or a custom TMJ mouthguard, an orthodontist for jaw pain can look at how your bite and joints work together. Patients visit us from these nearby towns:
Marlton, NJ
Marlton patients can book a TMJ evaluation with our orthodontist Marlton NJ team.
Moorestown, NJ
Moorestown patients are a short drive away. Visit our orthodontist Moorestown NJ page.
Medford, NJ
Medford patients can learn more on our orthodontist Medford NJ page.
Cherry Hill, NJ
Cherry Hill patients can find details on our orthodontist Cherry Hill NJ page.
Voorhees, NJ
Voorhees patients can plan a first visit on our orthodontist Voorhees NJ page.
Dr. Len Ellis and Dr. Simona Lekht start every TMJ treatment conversation with the most conservative option that could help — never jumping straight to anything permanent.
Dealing with jaw pain or clicking?
Talk it through at a free consultation.