Patient Resources TMJ Expert

Dr. Siman has devoted more than three decades to treating complex TMJ, bite, and airway problems, not just general dentistry. He uses advanced diagnostics such as 3D CT imaging, jaw tracking, EMG testing, and TENS to precisely evaluate your jaw joints, muscles, bite, and airway. Instead of relying on generic night guards or “wait and see,” he designs a customized, phased plan aimed at correcting the underlying cause of your symptoms, not just masking them.

Your evaluation is a detailed, one-on-one visit. We start by listening to your full history and symptoms, including any prior treatments or “normal” test results you’ve been given elsewhere. We then perform a focused clinical exam of your jaw, bite, muscles, neck, and posture and, when appropriate, take in-house 3D CT scans and neuromuscular tests. Before you leave, we review what we found, explain whether your jaw and bite are likely driving your symptoms, and outline recommended next steps and an estimated investment.

Every patient is different, but many people begin to notice meaningful changes in their pain, function, and sleep within the first few weeks of wearing a properly designed neuromuscular orthotic and following the recommended plan. Because our approach is corrective, not just palliative, full treatment usually unfolds over several months. Throughout that time, we monitor your progress closely and fine-tune your orthotic and bite so your improvements are stable and lasting.

Yes. Most of the patients we see have already tried one or more night guards, splints, medications, and other band-aid solutions. A simple night guard is designed primarily to protect the teeth from grinding, not to correct the jaw position, muscle imbalance, or airway issues that often cause TMJ pain, headaches, or tinnitus. Our orthotics are custom-designed using detailed diagnostics to support a healthier jaw position and muscle function, which is why patients who failed with standard guards often do well under our care.

In many patients, yes. The jaw joints, muscles, nerves, and surrounding structures are closely related to the ears, head, and neck. When the bite and jaw position are off, muscles can spasm, joints can become inflamed, and nerves can be irritated, leading to symptoms such as tinnitus, ear fullness, headaches or “migraines,” facial pain, and neck or shoulder tightness. Part of your evaluation is devoted to understanding whether your symptoms follow patterns commonly seen in TMJ-related cases, so you’re not left guessing.

We regularly see patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or are looking for alternatives. After a proper sleep study and airway evaluation, many appropriate candidates can be treated with a custom oral appliance that repositions the jaw and improves airway space, often while also helping TMJ and bite-related issues. Our goal is to coordinate your TMJ, bite, and airway care so that one problem is not made worse while treating another.