If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or clicking when you chew, you may be dealing with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) or TMD (temporomandibular disorder). At Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates Orthodontics, we offer experienced, patient-centric TMJ care in West Chester Township, OH to help you regain comfort, function, and peace of mind.
From diagnosis to tailored therapy, our team is committed to helping you resolve symptoms and prevent long-term damage—while respecting your lifestyle and dental health goals.
West Chester Township TMJ Treatment Specialist
Led by Dr. Alex Cassinelli and Dr. Shiv Shanker, our practice brings advanced training and compassionate care to TMJ and TMD cases. We treat patients ranging from mild jaw discomfort to chronic conditions, using modern diagnostics, conservative therapies, and ongoing support. You’ll never feel rushed or judged—just heard and helped.
What Is TMD and Why Does It Happen?
TMD refers to a group of disorders affecting the jaw joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control jaw movement. Because this system is complex, many factors can contribute to dysfunction:
- Teeth misalignment or bite problems
- Excessive clenching, grinding (bruxism)
- Muscle tension from stress or posture
- Trauma or injury to the jaw, head, or neck
- Arthritis or degenerative changes in the joint
- Structural or anatomical discrepancies
Symptoms may include jaw pain or tenderness, limited opening or locking, a clicking or popping sound, earaches, headaches, facial pain, and difficulty chewing.
How Do We Diagnose TMD?
Diagnosing TMD is not one-size-fits-all. At your evaluation, we’ll use:
- Patient history and symptom review
- Physical exam of jaw, muscles, and joint movement
- Palpation (touching soft tissues) to locate pain points
- Digital imaging (e.g. CBCT, cone beam scans)
- Bite analysis and occlusal evaluation
- Optional joint scans or MRIs if needed for more complex cases
With this holistic view, we can pinpoint which factors—structural, muscular, behavioral—are driving your symptoms, and design a treatment plan tailored to you.
Cost of TMJ Treatment in West Chester Township, OH
TMJ treatment costs depend heavily on the complexity of your case and which therapies are required. At Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates, we strive for transparency and fairness.
What to expect:
- Complimentary exam — Evaluation, imaging, and treatment planning
- Tiered pricing — From simpler splint therapy to more involved interventions
- Flexible payment plans — Monthly options to ease budgeting
- Insurance coordination — We’ll help you check whether your plan covers any portion
- Clear estimates — We’ll provide a breakdown of recommended therapies and associated costs
Because TMJ treatment is customized, we’ll walk you through every recommended step and cost before moving forward.
Benefits of TMJ Treatment at Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates
When you choose our practice for TMJ care, you benefit from:
- Expertise in orthodontics and bite dynamics, bringing deeper insight into TMD causes
- Access to advanced imaging and diagnostic tools under one roof
- A careful, conservative approach that seeks to minimize unnecessary procedures
- Personalized, follow-through care—not just a quick fix
- Local, trusted providers who understand the West Chester / Blue Ash community
We view your jaw health as part of a bigger smile-care picture—and we treat it that way.
Who Benefits Most from TMJ Treatment?
Patients who may gain the most include those who:
- Experience jaw pain, popping, or clenching daily
- Have headaches, neck pain, or ear pressure tied to jaw movement
- Notice limited jaw opening or frequent locking
- Grind or clench teeth, especially at night
- Have had orthodontic, dental, or bite issues that coincide with jaw symptoms
- Want to avoid surgery or systemic medications
If TMD is interfering with your quality of life, early intervention often yields better results.
Life During and After TMJ Treatment
You might wonder what it’s like to go through TMJ therapy. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial adjustment — Some mild discomfort or muscle awareness in first days
- Behavior changes — We’ll guide you through posture, stress management, and habit correction
- Follow-up care — Periodic checks to monitor progress and adjust therapy
- Gradual relief — Many patients notice decreased pain, improved mobility, and fewer flare-ups
- Long-term maintenance — Some continue wear of a nightguard or perform exercises long-term
Because TMD often involves soft tissues and neuromuscular patterns, lasting relief comes from consistency, not one-time fixes.
Why Choose Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates?
You deserve TMJ care from a team that understands the bite, jaw, and orthodontic interplays.
We offer:
- Board-certified orthodontists with a breadth of dental and jaw alignment expertise
- Integrated diagnostics: imaging, bite analysis, muscle study—all in house
- Conservative-first philosophy: we start with the least invasive steps
- Transparent communication and patient education
- Local commitment: you’ll always see familiar faces, not rotating providers
We aim to restore not just your jaw—but your daily way of living comfortably. Schedule a complimentary exam today and take the first step toward lasting relief with our expert TMJ care team.
TMD / TMJ FAQs for West Chester Township Residents
Is TMJ treatment just for pain?
No — beyond pain relief, we aim to restore proper function, prevent future damage, and improve overall oral health.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
Treatment duration depends on severity and responsiveness. Some see relief in weeks; others may need ongoing support over months.
Can braces or aligners cause TMJ issues?
In rare cases, bite changes can contribute to joint stress—but in experienced hands, orthodontics often relieves TMJ tension when integrated into a comprehensive plan.
Will I need surgery?
Surgery is rarely the first option. We reserve surgical referrals only for severe structural issues that don’t respond to conservative care.
Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?
It depends. Some plans cover splints or therapy; others classify TMD as non-covered. We’ll help you check and submit claims if possible.