Ever wake up with a sore jaw, nagging headache or even a ringing in your ears? If so, you’re not alone—and you may be experiencing TMJ disorder (TMD) or bruxism (teeth grinding). These seemingly small issues can greatly impact your daily life, leaving you with lingering discomfort, tension and even pain that disrupts sleep and daily activities.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge connecting your lower jaw to the temporal bone of your skull. It’s an important joint that lets you talk, chew, yawn and express yourself. But it can be frustrating and uncomfortable when it’s not functioning correctly. Our team at Lifetime Dental has years of experience treating TMJ disorders and bruxism, making us an ideal choice for anyone dealing with TMJ-related symptoms.
TMJ disorders can stem from a variety of causes, and understanding what’s behind the discomfort is key to effective treatment. Here are some common culprits:
Each of these factors can contribute to the development of TMJ issues, and sometimes more than one factor is involved. If you’re noticing persistent jaw pain, headaches or a sore jaw upon waking, it might be time to explore treatment options with our team.
Yes, most cases of TMJ disorders and bruxism can be effectively treated without surgery. At Lifetime Dental, we offer a range of non-invasive treatments designed to relieve pain, reduce jaw tension and help you get back to living comfortably without complex procedures. Here are some non-invasive options:
With our holistic and patient-centred approach, surgery is rarely necessary. Please contact our dental clinic if you're experiencing jaw pain or discomfort from TMJ or bruxism. Our team is here to help you explore gentle, effective options to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Dr Chris Darby, a committee member of the Australian chapter of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (AACP), uses advanced techniques and technology to accurately diagnose and treat TMJ disorders by focusing on the cause rather than just the symptoms. As a holistic TMJ dentist in Prahran, Dr Darby offers non-invasive laser treatments for pain relief, avoiding surgery whenever possible. He may also recommend custom at-home exercises that provide lasting relief rather than temporary fixes.
We offer a range of personalised bruxism treatments without surgery, such as:
Chris Darby, the founder and principal dentist of Lifetime Dental, graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1984. He focuses heavily on TMD, non-extraction orthodontics, sleep apnoea and snoring, bringing ...
Dr Ben Olstein is passionate about building long-lasting relationships with his patients. He attended Melbourne High School and earned his Bachelor of Biomedicine and Doctor of Dental Surgery from the ...
Dr Charlie Kong has been helping patients feel confident in their smiles since 2014. He’s passionate about treating people with care and dignity and always strives to solve each dental ...
Kristina is a skilled dental hygienist with extensive experience in the field. She began as a dental therapist in 1997, and in 2000, she became dually qualified as a therapist ...
Marrion is a dental nurse who has worked in dentistry since 2017 and has been a valued member of our practice since 2022. Trained in the Philippines, Marrion plays a ...
Dr Darby’s expertise in diagnosing and addressing the root causes of TMJ disorders can help bring you lasting relief so you can enjoy life without discomfort. Let’s work together to find the right solution for you! We invite you to contact us today to learn more or to book a consultation. You can ring us at (03) 9510 1644 or book an appointment via our online scheduler.
We warmly welcome patients of all ages from South Yarra, Windsor, St Kilda, Armadale, Malvern, Toorak, Richmond and the surrounding areas.
Bruxism, commonly known as tooth grinding, is a severe dental condition affecting people of all ages, but more common in adults. The condition refers to the practice of grinding and clenching teeth, which usually occurs unconsciously, while asleep or awake.
Typically, the sufferer is completely ...
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a condition that affects both adults and children. It occurs when a person grinds or clenches their teeth. It can be while they are awake or asleep. In many cases, the first time someone knows about their grinding is when a parent or partner tells them or a dentist comments ...