TMJ & Facial Pain Treatment at Serenity Smiles

in Miramar Beach & Destin, FL

Chronic jaw pain, headaches, or teeth grinding disrupting your daily life? You may be experiencing TMJ disorder—and the team at Serenity Smiles is here to help. We offer gentle, effective solutions to relieve tension, protect your smile, and restore comfort—so you can eat, speak, and sleep with ease again.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and controls essential functions like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When this joint becomes inflamed, strained, or misaligned, it can result in a condition called TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder)—which affects millions of Americans each year.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

• Jaw pain or stiffness
  
• Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
  
• Headaches or facial soreness
  
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
  
• Earaches or pressure near the ears
  
• Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth from clenching and grinding
  

If you’re noticing one or more of these symptoms, especially first thing in the morning, your TMJ could be the root cause.

Why Do We Clench or Grind Our Teeth?

Nighttime teeth grinding (called bruxism) is one of the most common causes of TMJ pain. It’s often an unconscious habit that occurs during sleep, which can lead to muscle fatigue, damaged teeth, and poor sleep quality.

Contributing Factors to Bruxism:

1. Stress or Anxiety – Emotional tension often manifests physically in the form of clenching or grinding.
   
2. Sleep Disorders – Conditions like sleep apnea can trigger grinding episodes during the night.
   
3. Bite Misalignment – Improper tooth alignment may strain the jaw and muscles.
   
4. Lifestyle Factors – Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and fatigue all increase the risk.
   
5. Medications & Neurological Conditions – Some medications and disorders may lead to involuntary muscle activity.
   

If you suspect nighttime grinding, we recommend a professional evaluation before damage occurs.

How We Treat TMJ Pain at Serenity Smiles

Our approach to TMJ and facial pain focuses on relieving discomfort, preventing further damage, and helping you sleep better. We offer two non-invasive treatment options that can be used independently or together for best results.

1. Custom Night Guards

A night guard is a clear, custom-fitted appliance worn while you sleep. It prevents your teeth from grinding against each other and helps relax your jaw muscles.

Benefits:

• Reduces jaw strain and morning tightness
  
• Prevents enamel wear, fractures, and cracks
  
• Protects previous dental work like fillings or crowns
  
• Promotes better sleep by reducing muscle activity
  
• Designed for comfort with a precise fit
  

2. Botox/Xeomin for TMJ

Botox (or its alternative, Xeomin) is FDA-approved for treating muscular disorders, including TMJ-related pain. It works by relaxing overactive jaw muscles without impairing function.

Benefits:

• Reduces jaw tension, pain, and facial soreness
  
• Helps prevent nighttime clenching and grinding
  
• Minimizes frequency and intensity of TMJ-related headaches
  
• Quick in-office treatment with no downtime
  
• Results last approximately 3–4 months
  

Botox/Xeomin is particularly effective for patients who don’t respond fully to night guards or who suffer from severe muscle tension.

Why Choose Serenity Smiles for TMJ Relief?

• Conservative, non-surgical treatment options
  
• Customized care using modern diagnostics and techniques
  
• Experience with cosmetic injectables like Botox
  
• Focus on long-term comfort, not just short-term relief
  
• Supportive team who takes time to listen, educate, and guide
  

We’ll help you take control of your symptoms—so you can live without pain, tension, or fear of damage.

Related Services That Support TMJ Treatment

• Night Guards & Preventive Dentistry
  
• Cosmetic Injectables
  
• Dental Crowns for cracked or worn teeth
  
• Sleep Apnea Appliances to support better rest