Conditions / Jaw & Facial Pain
TMJ Disorder (TMJD), Teeth Grinding & Jaw Clenching Treatment in Newcastle
Jaw pain, facial tension, teeth grinding and clicking jaws are surprisingly common. Temporomandibular disorders (TMJD or TMD) affect the jaw joint and the muscles used for chewing, speaking and facial movement. Many people live with symptoms for years before seeking help, often assuming there is little that can be done beyond wearing a mouthguard.
5–10%
of adults experience symptoms significant enough to seek treatment
20–30%
of adults may be affected by teeth grinding or jaw clenching at some point in their lives
Women more commonly affected
Particularly between the ages of 20 and 50
Despite this, many people struggle for years with headaches, jaw pain, broken teeth, poor sleep and facial tension before discovering that effective treatment options are available.
Symptoms
Common Symptoms of TMJD
You may benefit from an assessment if you experience:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Facial aching or muscle fatigue
Clicking, popping or grinding sounds from the jaw
Teeth grinding, particularly at night
Jaw clenching during periods of stress or concentration
Morning headaches or facial pain
Earache, tinnitus or a feeling of pressure around the ears
Neck and shoulder tension
Difficulty chewing certain foods
Reduced jaw opening or episodes of jaw locking
Worn, cracked or damaged teeth due to grinding
pain on yawning or opening the mouth wide
Why Does TMJD Develop?
TMJD is often multifactorial. Common contributing factors include:
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Jaw clenching during stress or concentration
Anxiety and emotional stress
Poor posture, particularly neck and upper back tension
Previous dental work or jaw injury
Sleep disturbances
Arthritis affecting the jaw joint
hormonal changes, particularly around menopause
In many cases, the muscles around the jaw become overactive and overworked, creating a cycle of tension, pain and inflammation.
Signs You May Be Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth
Many people grind or clench their teeth without realising it, particularly during sleep.
Common signs include:
- Waking with jaw tension or headaches
- Teeth that are becoming worn, chipped or cracked
- Facial aching or tiredness in the morning
- Tightness around the temples
- Indentations along the side of the tongue
- A partner hearing grinding noises during sleep
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Repeated cracking or damage to dental work
- Sensitivity in the teeth without another obvious cause
If these symptoms sound familiar, an assessment may help determine whether TMJD or bruxism could be contributing to your symptoms.
Which TMJD Treatment Is Right For You?
Every patient with TMJD is different. Some people primarily have overactive jaw muscles from clenching or grinding, whilst others experience muscle tension, reduced jaw movement or persistent facial pain. For this reason, we offer both non-invasive EMFACE Functional TMJ treatment and Botulinum Toxin, allowing us to tailor treatment to your individual needs.
Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum Toxin Type A works by temporarily reducing excessive muscle activity, most commonly within the masseter and temporalis muscles. It is particularly helpful where powerful muscle contraction from chronic clenching or grinding is driving symptoms.
Treatment may help to:
- Reduce excessive jaw clenching and teeth grinding
- Relieve jaw tension and muscle pain
- Reduce morning headaches related to bruxism
- Improve chewing comfort
- Protect teeth from further grinding damage
- Improve quality of life for patients with chronic muscle overactivity
Treatment does not stop normal jaw function. You can still eat, speak and smile normally, but the excessive force generated by the jaw muscles is reduced. Most patients begin noticing improvement within 1 to 3 weeks, with results typically lasting around 3 to 4 months.
EMFACE Functional TMJ
EMFACE Functional TMJ is an innovative, needle-free treatment that combines targeted muscle stimulation with radiofrequency technology. The aim is to relax overworked jaw muscles, improve jaw movement and help break the cycle of chronic muscle tension that contributes to many cases of TMJD.
Treatment may help to:
- Reduce jaw muscle tension and facial pain
- Improve jaw opening and mobility
- Increase comfort when chewing and speaking
- Reduce stiffness around the jaw joint
- Support recovery of normal jaw function
- Improve day-to-day comfort without injections
Treatment consists of four 20-minute sessions with no downtime. Early clinical studies have shown encouraging improvements in jaw function, mobility and patient comfort.
Which Treatment Will I Need?
A sensible evidence based approach
Current guidance recommends that TMJD should initially be managed with conservative measures such as self-management advice, jaw exercises, physiotherapy, stress management and, where appropriate, dental splints. Depending on your symptoms, EMFACE Functional TMJ or Botulinum Toxin may be considered when muscular jaw pain, clenching or persistent muscle overactivity continue despite these measures.
Why Choose The Bespoke Clinic?
What Happens During Treatment?
Your appointment includes:
Final line needs changing to ‘ Both treatments usually take around 20minutes and require no downtime.
Sarah, aged 42, had been waking with headaches, jaw pain and damaged teeth from years of clenching and grinding. Despite wearing a night guard, she continued to experience symptoms and often felt constant tension across her jaw and temples.
Within a few weeks of treatment, she noticed a significant reduction in jaw tightness and morning headaches. She described waking feeling more relaxed and was surprised by how much difference the treatment made to her daily comfort and quality of life.
Patient details have been changed to protect privacy. Individual results will vary.
Ready to get help for jaw pain, teeth grinding or clenching?
If you are struggling with TMJD symptoms, jaw tension, morning headaches or ongoing teeth grinding, a doctor-led assessment can help you understand what is causing your symptoms and whether treatment is suitable for you.
At The Bespoke Clinic in Newcastle, Dr Neet will take time to assess your symptoms, jaw function and wider health before recommending the most appropriate next step.
Questions answered
Frequently asked questions.
Is TMJD the same as teeth grinding?
Not exactly. TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder) describes a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching are common causes of TMJD symptoms, but arthritis, injury, poor posture and muscle tension can also contribute.
How do I know whether I need EMFACE TMJ or Botox ®
That is determined during your consultation. EMFACE TMJ is a needle-free treatment designed to improve muscle relaxation and jaw function, whilst Botox ® may be more appropriate for significant teeth grinding, jaw clenching or overactive jaw muscles. Some patients may even benefit from a combination of treatments.
How quickly will I notice an improvement?
This depends on the treatment you receive. Many patients notice reduced jaw tension immediately or within a few days after EMFACE Functional TMJ, with further improvements developing over the treatment course. Following Botox®, improvements usually begin within 1 to 3 weeks as the muscles gradually relax.
How long do the results last
Botox ® typically lasts around 3 to 4 months before repeat treatment may be required. The time between treatments can then lengthen as the muscles relax.
Results following EMFACE Functional TMJ vary between individuals and may be maintained with occasional maintenance sessions, depending on your symptoms and lifestyle.
Can treatment stop me grinding my teeth completely?
No treatment can guarantee that teeth grinding will stop altogether, particularly if it is related to stress or occurs during sleep. However, treatment can significantly reduce the force generated by the jaw muscles, helping to reduce pain, protect the teeth and improve day-to-day comfort.
Will my face look different after treatment?
Most patients notice little or no visible change. If Botulinum Toxin is used to treat enlarged masseter muscles, the lower face may gradually become slimmer over several weeks. This is a secondary effect rather than the aim of treatment. EMFACE TMJ is designed to improve muscle function and does not intentionally change facial shape.
Do I still need to wear a mouthguard or splint?
In many cases, yes. If your dentist has recommended a night guard or splint, we usually advise continuing to wear it unless advised otherwise. Treatment can complement dental care rather than replace it.
Is the treatment painful?
Both treatments are generally well tolerated. EMFACE Functional TMJ is completely needle-free and most patients describe a warming sensation with gentle muscle stimulation. Botox ® involves a series of very small injections which most people find quick and manageable.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and temporary. EMFACE Functional TMJ may cause temporary redness or warmth that settles quickly. Botulinum Toxin may occasionally cause mild bruising, tenderness or temporary weakness of nearby muscles. These will be discussed fully during your consultation before any treatment is carried out.
What happens during my consultation?
Your appointment includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history and previous treatments, followed by an examination of your jaw muscles and jaw joint. We will explain what we believe is contributing to your symptoms and discuss whether EMFACE Functional TMJ, Botulinum Toxin, conservative management or a combination of approaches is likely to be most appropriate for you.
