Frequently Asked Questions
What is TMJ and TMD?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint — the hinge joint connecting the jaw to the skull.
TMD (temporomandibular disorder) describes problems involving the joint, the muscles that move it, or the way the teeth come together.
TMD can affect:
- Jaw movement
- Chewing
- Speech
- Head, neck, and facial comfort
What are common symptoms of TMJ problems?
TMJ disorders can present in many ways, including:
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
- Locking or limited opening
- Headaches or migraines
- Facial pain or pressure
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Ear symptoms (fullness, ringing, pain)
- Bite changes or discomfort
Not all patients experience jaw pain — some only notice headaches or muscle tension.
Why hasn’t my TMJ pain resolved with a night guard or physiotherapy?
A night guard may protect teeth but does not always:
- Stabilize the jaw joint
- Balance muscle activity
- Address bite instability
Similarly, physiotherapy can reduce symptoms, but without understanding joint position and bite function, symptoms may return.
TMJ Reset focuses on identifying the cause before choosing the treatment.
TMD can affect:
- Jaw movement
- Chewing
- Speech
- Head, neck, and facial comfort
How is TMJ diagnosed at TMJ Reset?
We use advanced, objective diagnostic tools to evaluate how your jaw actually functions.
These include:
- Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA)
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Digital bite analysis (T-Scan / Tek Scan)
This data helps us understand:
- Joint health
- Muscle balance
- Bite timing and force
- Functional stability
Diagnosis is based on measurements — not guesswork.
What is Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA)?
It helps detect:
- Disc displacement
- Joint degeneration
- Inflammation
- Structural instability
JVA allows us to evaluate internal joint health without radiation.
What is EMG testing and why is it important?
EMG (electromyography) measures how your jaw and facial muscles function at rest and during movement.
It helps identify:
- Muscle overactivity
- Neuromuscular imbalance
- Protective muscle guarding
- Asymmetry between sides
Balanced muscles are essential for joint healing and long-term stability.
What is digital bite analysis (T-Scan / Tek Scan)?
This allows us to identify:
- Bite interferences
- Force overload on specific teeth
- Imbalanced bite timing
- Stress placed on the TMJ
A stable bite is critical for preventing TMJ relapse.
Is TMJ treatment painful?
TMJ treatment at TMJ Reset is conservative and patient-centred.
Most treatments are gentle and may include:
- Manual therapy
- Physiotherapy-guided rehabilitation
- Low-level laser therapy for pain and inflammation
- Custom orthotics
The goal is to reduce pain — not provoke it.
What is a TMJ orthotic and how is it different from a night guard?
A TMJ orthotic is a custom therapeutic appliance designed to:
- Support the jaw in a stable position
- Reduce joint loading
- Balance muscle activity
- Promote healing
A night guard mainly protects teeth from grinding.
A TMJ orthotic is part of active joint rehabilitation.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
TMJ treatment is not one-size-fits-all.
Duration depends on:
- Severity of joint dysfunction
- Muscle involvement
- Bite stability
- Response to treatment
Some patients improve in weeks, while others require several months of phased care.
Will I need orthodontics or dental work?
Not all patients require further treatment beyond stabilization.
However, for some individuals, long-term stability may require:
- Orthodontic treatment
- Bite rehabilitation
- Crown or bridge work
These options are only discussed after joint health and muscle balance are confirmed.
Do you work with physiotherapists?1
Yes. TMJ Reset operates within The Physiotherapy Rehab Group, allowing close collaboration with experienced physiotherapists across multiple GTA locations.
This team-based approach improves outcomes and continuity of care.
Can TMJ problems cause headaches or migraines?
Yes. TMJ disorders are a common but often overlooked cause of:
- Tension headaches
- Facial pain
- Neck-related headaches
Muscle imbalance and joint dysfunction can refer pain far beyond the jaw.
Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?
Coverage varies depending on:
- Your insurance plan
- Diagnostic services
- Orthotics or therapy involved
We provide documentation to help you understand and submit claims where applicable.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required.
You can book directly for a comprehensive TMJ assessment.
What makes TMJ Reset different?
TMJ Reset is built on:
- Objective diagnostics
- Evidence-based protocols
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Long-term functional stability
We focus on answers, not assumptions.
What should I expect at my first visit?
Your initial visit focuses on:
- Detailed history
- Functional evaluation
- Advanced diagnostics
- Clear explanation of findings
- A customized treatment plan
You will leave understanding what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what can be done.
What is TMJ and TMD?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint — the hinge joint connecting the jaw to the skull.
TMD (temporomandibular disorder) describes problems involving the joint, the muscles that move it, or the way the teeth come together.
TMD can affect:
- Jaw movement
- Chewing
- Speech
- Head, neck, and facial comfort
What are common symptoms of TMJ problems?
TMJ disorders can present in many ways, including:
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
- Locking or limited opening
- Headaches or migraines
- Facial pain or pressure
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Ear symptoms (fullness, ringing, pain)
- Bite changes or discomfort
Not all patients experience jaw pain — some only notice headaches or muscle tension.
Why hasn’t my TMJ pain resolved with a night guard or physiotherapy?
A night guard may protect teeth but does not always:
- Stabilize the jaw joint
- Balance muscle activity
- Address bite instability
Similarly, physiotherapy can reduce symptoms, but without understanding joint position and bite function, symptoms may return.
TMJ Reset focuses on identifying the cause before choosing the treatment.
TMD can affect:
- Jaw movement
- Chewing
- Speech
- Head, neck, and facial comfort
How is TMJ diagnosed at TMJ Reset?
We use advanced, objective diagnostic tools to evaluate how your jaw actually functions.
These include:
- Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA)
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Digital bite analysis (T-Scan / Tek Scan)
This data helps us understand:
- Joint health
- Muscle balance
- Bite timing and force
- Functional stability
Diagnosis is based on measurements — not guesswork.
What is Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA)?
It helps detect:
- Disc displacement
- Joint degeneration
- Inflammation
- Structural instability
JVA allows us to evaluate internal joint health without radiation.
What is EMG testing and why is it important?
EMG (electromyography) measures how your jaw and facial muscles function at rest and during movement.
It helps identify:
- Muscle overactivity
- Neuromuscular imbalance
- Protective muscle guarding
- Asymmetry between sides
Balanced muscles are essential for joint healing and long-term stability.
What is digital bite analysis (T-Scan / Tek Scan)?
This allows us to identify:
- Bite interferences
- Force overload on specific teeth
- Imbalanced bite timing
- Stress placed on the TMJ
A stable bite is critical for preventing TMJ relapse.
Is TMJ treatment painful?
TMJ treatment at TMJ Reset is conservative and patient-centred.
Most treatments are gentle and may include:
- Manual therapy
- Physiotherapy-guided rehabilitation
- Low-level laser therapy for pain and inflammation
- Custom orthotics
The goal is to reduce pain — not provoke it.
What is a TMJ orthotic and how is it different from a night guard?
A TMJ orthotic is a custom therapeutic appliance designed to:
- Support the jaw in a stable position
- Reduce joint loading
- Balance muscle activity
- Promote healing
A night guard mainly protects teeth from grinding.
A TMJ orthotic is part of active joint rehabilitation.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
TMJ treatment is not one-size-fits-all.
Duration depends on:
- Severity of joint dysfunction
- Muscle involvement
- Bite stability
- Response to treatment
Some patients improve in weeks, while others require several months of phased care.
Will I need orthodontics or dental work?
Not all patients require further treatment beyond stabilization.
However, for some individuals, long-term stability may require:
- Orthodontic treatment
- Bite rehabilitation
- Crown or bridge work
These options are only discussed after joint health and muscle balance are confirmed.
Do you work with physiotherapists?1
Yes. TMJ Reset operates within The Physiotherapy Rehab Group, allowing close collaboration with experienced physiotherapists across multiple GTA locations.
This team-based approach improves outcomes and continuity of care.
Can TMJ problems cause headaches or migraines?
Yes. TMJ disorders are a common but often overlooked cause of:
- Tension headaches
- Facial pain
- Neck-related headaches
Muscle imbalance and joint dysfunction can refer pain far beyond the jaw.
Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?
Coverage varies depending on:
- Your insurance plan
- Diagnostic services
- Orthotics or therapy involved
We provide documentation to help you understand and submit claims where applicable.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required.
You can book directly for a comprehensive TMJ assessment.
What makes TMJ Reset different?
TMJ Reset is built on:
- Objective diagnostics
- Evidence-based protocols
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Long-term functional stability
We focus on answers, not assumptions.
What should I expect at my first visit?
Your initial visit focuses on:
- Detailed history
- Functional evaluation
- Advanced diagnostics
- Clear explanation of findings
- A customized treatment plan
You will leave understanding what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what can be done.