TMJ Treatment in Anaheim Hills
TMJ Dentist in Anaheim Hills
Jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or difficulty opening your mouth? These could be signs of TMJ disorder. Dr. Mehru Bhatia evaluates TMJ symptoms, provides custom night guards and bite adjustments, and refers complex cases to trusted specialists. Most TMJ cases respond to conservative treatment without surgery.
Call (714) 998-4151 or book online to schedule a TMJ evaluation.
Why Patients Choose MySmile for TMJ
Thorough evaluation, conservative treatment first, and honest referrals when a specialist is needed.
Accurate Diagnosis First
Many symptoms that seem like TMJ (jaw pain, headaches, ear pain) can have other causes. Dr. Bhatia does a thorough evaluation before recommending treatment. She checks your jaw joint, bite alignment, tooth wear patterns, and muscle tension to determine whether TMJ disorder is actually the issue.
Custom Night Guards, Not Store-Bought
Over-the-counter night guards from the drugstore are generic and often make TMJ symptoms worse. Our night guards are custom-made from impressions of your teeth for a precise fit that properly positions your jaw and protects your teeth.
Honest About What We Treat vs. What We Refer
Dr. Bhatia handles initial TMJ evaluation, night guards, and bite adjustments. If your case involves joint damage, chronic pain that does not respond to conservative treatment, or a need for surgery, she refers you to a TMJ specialist. You will always know upfront what can be handled here and when a specialist is the better option.
Conservative Treatment First
Most TMJ cases respond to conservative treatment: a night guard, stress management, jaw exercises, and bite adjustment. Dr. Bhatia starts with the least invasive approach and only escalates if the symptoms persist. Surgery is a last resort, not a first suggestion.
Evening Appointments Available
Open until 7 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Come in for an evaluation or night guard fitting after work.
Connected to Your Overall Dental Health
TMJ problems are often related to teeth grinding, missing teeth, a bad bite, or worn-down teeth. Because Dr. Bhatia handles your general dental care too, she sees the full picture and can address contributing factors that a standalone TMJ clinic might miss.
TMJ Services
Evaluation, night guards, bite adjustment, and specialist coordination.
TMJ Evaluation
Dr. Bhatia evaluates your jaw joint, bite alignment, and muscle tension to determine whether TMJ disorder is causing your symptoms. X-rays and a thorough exam help pinpoint the problem.
Learn moreCustom Night Guards
A custom-fitted night guard protects your teeth from grinding (bruxism) and reduces pressure on the jaw joint while you sleep. This is one of the most effective treatments for mild to moderate TMJ symptoms.
Learn moreBite Adjustment
If your bite is uneven and putting excess pressure on certain teeth and the jaw joint, Dr. Bhatia can make precise adjustments to balance your bite and reduce TMJ strain.
Learn moreSpecialist Referrals for Complex Cases
Advanced TMJ cases involving joint damage, chronic pain, or surgical needs are referred to a TMJ specialist or oral surgeon. Dr. Bhatia coordinates the referral and continues managing your dental care.
Learn moreLearn more: is TMJ curable?, how to stop grinding teeth at night, and types of mouthguards.
What to Expect at a TMJ Evaluation
Dr. Bhatia starts by listening to your symptoms: where the pain is, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and whether you grind your teeth or clench your jaw. She then examines your jaw joint by feeling it while you open and close your mouth, listening for clicking or popping, and checking your range of motion.
She also evaluates your bite alignment and looks for signs of teeth grinding, such as flat or worn tooth surfaces, cracked teeth, or receding gums. X-rays may be taken to assess the condition of the jaw joint itself.
Based on the evaluation, Dr. Bhatia will explain what she found and recommend a treatment plan. For most patients, this starts with a custom night guard to protect the teeth and reduce joint pressure, combined with jaw exercises and lifestyle adjustments. If conservative treatment does not provide relief, she will refer you to a TMJ specialist for further evaluation and advanced treatment options.
Meet Dr. Mehru Bhatia
Dr. Bhatia is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry with over 20 years of clinical experience. She founded MySmile Dental Care in Anaheim Hills in 2015 with a simple goal: provide honest, high-quality dental care in a practice where every patient feels like family.
She has been placing dental implants since 2009 and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Orange County Dental Association. Her approach combines advanced techniques with a gentle, patient-first philosophy that has earned MySmile a 4.9-star rating from hundreds of patients.
TMJ Dentist in Anaheim Hills and Surrounding Areas
Patients come from across east Orange County for TMJ evaluation at MySmile. Our office on Santa Ana Canyon Road is right off the 91 Freeway.
Driving Times to Our Office
Approximate drive times from nearby cities.
Insurance & Affordable Payment Options
We accept most major dental insurance plans and work with several financing companies to make dental care accessible for every family.
Insurance Accepted
Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, Guardian, and many more PPO plans. See full list
Financing Available
Split your treatment cost into monthly payments with Cherry, CareCredit, Sunbit, or LendingClub.
New Patient Special
Welcome to MySmile!
New patients receive a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, and a personalized treatment plan.
View New Patient SpecialFrequently Asked Questions
What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder (also called TMD) affects the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint is inflamed, misaligned, or damaged, it can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty opening your mouth, headaches, and ear pain. It is one of the most common causes of chronic facial pain.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
Common symptoms include pain or tenderness in the jaw, clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth, difficulty chewing, a jaw that locks open or closed, headaches (especially in the morning), ear pain or ringing, and pain that radiates to the neck or shoulders. If you are experiencing any of these, an evaluation can determine whether TMJ is the cause.
How is TMJ treated?
Most TMJ cases are treated conservatively. A custom night guard worn during sleep protects your teeth from grinding and reduces pressure on the joint. Bite adjustment can correct an uneven bite that contributes to TMJ strain. Jaw exercises and stress management techniques also help. If conservative treatment does not resolve the symptoms, Dr. Bhatia will refer you to a TMJ specialist for advanced care.
How much does a night guard cost?
Custom night guards from a dental office typically cost $300 to $800. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost, especially when the night guard is prescribed for bruxism (teeth grinding) or TMJ treatment. We verify your benefits before making the guard. Store-bought night guards cost less but provide a poor fit and can worsen TMJ symptoms.
Can TMJ be cured?
Many TMJ cases can be effectively managed and symptoms significantly reduced or eliminated with proper treatment. Mild to moderate cases often resolve with a night guard and lifestyle changes. Chronic or severe cases may require ongoing management. The outcome depends on the underlying cause. Dr. Bhatia will give you a realistic expectation after evaluating your specific situation.
Do you treat severe TMJ cases?
Dr. Bhatia handles initial evaluation, night guards, and bite adjustments for TMJ. If your case involves significant joint damage, chronic pain that does not respond to conservative treatment, or requires surgical intervention, she will refer you to a TMJ specialist or oral surgeon with experience in complex cases. She continues managing your general dental care alongside the specialist.
Is teeth grinding related to TMJ?
Yes. Teeth grinding (bruxism) is one of the most common causes of TMJ disorder. Grinding puts excessive pressure on the jaw joint and wears down tooth surfaces. A custom night guard addresses both problems simultaneously by protecting your teeth and repositioning your jaw to reduce stress on the joint.
Should I see a dentist or a doctor for TMJ?
Start with a dentist. TMJ disorder is closely related to your bite, teeth, and jaw, which are a dentist's area of expertise. Dr. Bhatia can evaluate your jaw joint, identify bite issues, and provide conservative treatment. If the problem extends beyond what dental treatment can address, she will refer you to the appropriate specialist.
Jaw Pain? Get Answers.
Schedule a TMJ evaluation with Dr. Bhatia. She will determine what is causing your symptoms and recommend the right treatment approach.