TMJ Treatment in St Kilda: Splints, Botox & More
Jaw pain, teeth grinding, clicking joints, and tension headaches are all signs that your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may need attention. The TMJ is the hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull, and when it becomes strained or inflamed, the effects can ripple through your face, head, and neck.
At Chapel Gate Dental in St Kilda, we offer three proven TMJ treatments often used in combination to help you get lasting relief.
How Our TMJ Dentist Can Help
Our dentists have a deep understanding of the mechanics of the temporomandibular joint and the muscles surrounding it.
Using thorough diagnostic assessment, we identify the root cause of your symptoms and recommend the most suitable treatment whether that’s a protective appliance, muscle relaxation therapy, or a combination of both. Every plan is built around your specific needs.
1. Dual Laminate Occlusal Splint
Our custom-fitted Dual Laminate Occlusal Splint features a soft inner layer for comfort and a hard outer shell for durability. Worn during sleep, it prevents tooth-on-tooth contact, holds your jaw in a relaxed neutral position, and reduces morning headaches, jaw soreness, and tooth sensitivity while protecting any existing dental work.
It’s an excellent first-line treatment for bruxism and mild-to-moderate TMJ symptoms, precision-made from impressions taken at our St Kilda clinic.
2. TMJ Appliances
For more complex jaw dysfunction, we may recommend an appliance from the TMJ System™, a clinically developed range designed to relax jaw and neck muscles, relieve pressure on the joint, and reduce head and neck pain. Available options include:
- TMJ Appliance™ – addresses joint position and muscle balance
- TMD Appliance™ – targeted for temporomandibular dysfunction
- TMJ-MBV™ – suited for more complex cases
- Bruxogard™ Soft – ideal for bruxism relief, moulds to the upper arch for excellent overnight retention
- Bruxogard™ Hard – suits heavy grinders needing greater durability
We’ll assess your bite and symptoms to find the right fit for you.
3. Botox for Jaw Muscles
When overactive jaw muscles are driving your symptoms or splint therapy alone hasn’t fully resolved them Botox injections offer targeted, minimally invasive relief.
Small amounts of botulinum toxin are injected into the masseter (your main chewing muscle) and, where needed, the temporalis at the temples. This reduces the intensity of clenching and grinding, relieving pressure on the TMJ. Most patients notice less jaw tension, fewer headaches, and a more relaxed jaw with no impact on speech or chewing.
Treatment takes around 15 minutes. Results appear within two weeks and last 3 to 4 months. Botox also works well alongside splint therapy for a more complete, combined approach.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Many patients benefit from a combination approach, a Dual Laminate Splint worn nightly alongside periodic Botox injections for muscle relief. Our dentists will assess your jaw, bite, and history to recommend the right plan for you.
Ready to find relief? Visit Us.
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We provide our comprehensive dental services to the diverse community of St Kilda and its neighbouring suburbs of Melbourne, such as Prahan, South Yarra and beyond. Whether you’re seeking routine check-ups, cosmetic enhancements, or emergency dental services, our clinic in St Kilda is conveniently located to serve you.
