Discover how our whole-health approach at The OrthoSpaceship treats TMJ at its source—relieving pain without creating dependency.
At The OrthoSpaceship – Hakim Orthodontics, we live by a simple but powerful philosophy: If you don’t have the time to do it right, when will you have time to do it again? That rings especially true when it comes to treating TMJ disorder (TMD).
Too often, patients are given a quick fix—like an injection or a pill—that might relieve their symptoms temporarily but does nothing to address why the pain and inflammation are happening in the first place. That’s not how Dr. Hakim operates. Our approach is about solving the issue, not just masking it.
Understanding the Root Cause
TMJ dysfunction is fundamentally about inflammation in and around the jaw joint. This can lead to pain, clicking, popping, tightness, and—when left untreated—actual damage to the joint, such as flattening or arthritic changes. Most of the time, this inflammation stems from the jaw not sitting properly in its socket.
Here’s the key: we actually have two bites—one where our teeth fit together most comfortably, and one where our jaw joint is properly aligned. But if those two don’t match, then every time you chew, clench, or speak, you’re slightly dislocating your joint. That ongoing misalignment creates tension, causes inflammation, and ultimately leads to pain and breakdown.
How We Diagnose TMJ at The OrthoSpaceship
Dr. Hakim starts with a comprehensive in-office exam—reviewing symptoms, lifestyle, stressors, and habits. We check the bite, test the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, and most of the time, we can make a diagnosis without an X-ray. But when needed, we take a low-dose in-house 3D X-ray (CBCT) to visualize the jaw joint in detail and assess whether any bone changes have occurred, and whether those changes are active or stable.
Our First Line of Treatment (Hint: It’s Not Botox)
We always begin with the most conservative and effective option—no Band-Aids, no gimmicks. Most often, that’s a custom orthotic appliance:
- Worn only on the lower teeth for comfort
- Made from completely hard material to reduce clenching
- Precisely adjusted over time as muscles relax and inflammation decreases
This appliance simulates a bite that allows the jaw joint to sit in its natural, healthy position. As the surrounding structures heal, pain disappears—often within just 2 to 3 months.
We also offer therapies like EGS and ultrasound for sore muscles, and orthodontic treatment if bite correction is needed. Botox is available too—but only when it supports, not substitutes, real healing.
So, What About Botox?
Botox can be incredibly effective in relieving TMJ pain—but it’s a temporary fix. It works by relaxing the overworked muscles, helping reduce pain and tension. But unless it’s paired with a treatment that addresses why the clenching is happening in the first place, it becomes a revolving door of 3–6 month appointments with no end in sight.
At The OrthoSpaceship, Dr. Hakim only uses Botox in select cases—when it complements a root-cause solution. This way, one round of Botox may be all that’s needed while the rest of the plan resolves the actual issue.
Real Stories, Real Results
We’ve seen it time and time again: patients who’ve spent years (and thousands of dollars) chasing temporary relief finally get answers—and results—with us.
- One woman, after seeing ENTs, neurologists, and pain doctors, found her symptoms disappeared within 3 months of starting treatment at The OrthoSpaceship.
- A 14-year-old boy with debilitating migraines saw complete relief after just a few months in an orthotic appliance. He’s now running marathons, pain-free.
These cases aren’t rare. They’re the result of treating the cause—not just the symptoms.
What Sets The OrthoSpaceship Apart
Dr. Hakim’s whole-health approach means we look at the big picture. TMJ pain isn’t just about your jaw—it’s about your bite, your posture, your stress levels, and your overall well-being.
You don’t need invasive procedures, painful injections, or a long list of specialists to feel better. What you do need is a treatment that works—conservatively, effectively, and for the long term.
Ready to Stop Masking and Start Healing?
If you’ve been chasing temporary fixes or wondering if Botox is the answer, let’s talk. At The OrthoSpaceship – Hakim Orthodontics, we’ll help you understand what’s really going on and design a plan to get you truly pain-free—for good.
Call us today or schedule your TMJ consultation. You deserve answers—and real relief.