TMJ Disorders
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TMJ Disorders Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Glendale CA
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint.
If you have had symptoms like pain or a clicking sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles (muscles of mastication) do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.
No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. Dr. Martin Stepanyan can help you have a healthier and more comfortable jaw.
Trouble With Your Jaw?
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the cushion of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth or trouble opening your mouth wide.
Do You Have A TMJ Disorder?
- Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
- Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
- Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
- Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
- Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
- Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
- Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
- Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaws?
- Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
- Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
- Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
- Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
- Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?
The more times you answered yes, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.
Advanced Specialization in Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery: Why Choose Dr. Stepanyan for Ethnic Rhinoplasty in Glendale
Dr. Martin Stepanyan is a board-certified surgeon with over 16 years of academic excellence, extensive training, and over 23 years of successful private practice in Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Choosing the right surgeon is key to achieving the best results from ethnic rhinoplasty. Dr. Martin Stepanyan stands out as a top choice for individuals seeking a surgeon who understands the delicate balance of ethnic features and can deliver beautiful, natural results.
With over 28 years of experience in facial surgery, Dr. Stepanyan combines advanced surgical skills with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
His extensive training in both cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery enables him to address aesthetic and functional concerns, delivering results that enhance each patient’s natural beauty. Furthermore, Dr. Stepanyan uses advanced three-dimensional imaging technology to provide patients with a clear visual representation of their expected outcomes before the procedure, helping to manage expectations and ensure satisfaction.
As a board-certified surgeon and a Fellow of prestigious professional organizations, Dr. Stepanyan operates in a state-of-the-art, AAAHC-accredited surgery center, prioritizing patient safety and comfort at all times.
His approach is supported by decades of additional training, experience, and professional achievement, including:
- More than 2,000 nasal surgeries have been performed throughout Los Angeles County, including complex revision cases for patients who travel from out of state seeking his expertise
- Board-certified since 2003, with recertification extending through 2033
- Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (FAACS)
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
His professional experience extends well beyond private practice. Dr. Stepanyan graduated first in his class with a 4.0 GPA from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and then completed a cosmetic and reconstructive surgery fellowship under T. William Evans, MD, FACS, at The Ohio State University. He has also:
- Co-authored research published in The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery
- Served as Division Chief at Huntington Memorial Hospital (2005 to 2007) and Methodist Hospital of Southern California (2007 to 2009)
- Participated in craniofacial reconstructive missions in Ecuador, Armenia, and Russia
Patients consistently point to the consultation experience as one of the reasons they choose Dr. Stepanyan. Lianna M. called him “the only doctor who captured my attention with all the knowledge he had,” and Vicki D. contrasted him with other surgeons who “made me feel they were only out for the money and a quick job.”
Every consultation is centered on understanding your anatomy, concerns, and goals before recommending a personalized treatment plan. Supported by trilingual staff fluent in English, Armenian, and Russian, the practice provides culturally informed care for Glendale’s diverse communities while creating results that look refined rather than obviously surgical.
As patient Naeva O. shared, people “couldn’t even tell” she had work done, reflecting the natural-looking outcomes Dr. Stepanyan strives to achieve. That same personalized approach guides Dr. Stepanyan’s philosophy of enhancing rather than westernizing the nose.
Patients also benefit from an integrated surgical setting. Dr. Stepanyan performs procedures at his AAAHC-accredited Glendale surgical center, which includes three fully equipped operating rooms and an on-site 23-hour ambulatory recovery center.
This allows patients to undergo surgery and recover under the same experienced team, providing continuity of care from the operating room through the early stages of recovery.
Dr. Stepanyan’s Glendale practice welcomes patients from throughout Burbank, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Studio City, and the greater Los Angeles area, with extensive experience treating diverse minority and immigrant communities in the region.
Treatment in Beverly Hills
There are various treatment options that Dr. Stepanyan can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Dr. Stepanyan will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care joined with professional care.
The initial goals are to relieve the muscle spasm and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation. Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:
- Resting your jaw
- Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
- Eating soft foods
- Applying ice and heat
- Exercising your jaw
- Practicing good posture
Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint. A splint (or nightguard) fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night and helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. An anterior positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relives pressure on parts of your jaw and aids in disk repositioning. It may be worn 24 hours/day to help your jaw heal. An orthotic stabilization appliance is worn 24 hours/day or just at night to move your jaw into proper position. Appliances also help to protect from tooth wear.
What About Los Angeles Bite Correction Or Surgery?
If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together, you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring are sometimes needed, but are reserved for severe cases. Dr. Stepanyan does not consider TMJ surgery unless the jaw cant open, is dislocated and non reducible, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully.
Schedule A Consultation For A TMJ Disorders In Glendale, CA
Dr. Martin Stepanyan believes in changing his patients’ lives by providing truly individualized care. Offering state-of-the-art treatments and technologies paired with genuine expertise, Dr. Stepanyan will work with you to help you look and feel your best. Your next step is to meet with Dr. Stepanyan and the team at Stepanyan Surgical Arts Center today. Complete our online form or call us at (818) 551-0088. We look forward to meeting you soon!
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“Best decision I have ever made in my life was having Dr. Stepanyan be the surgeon for my rhinoplasty. I am SO happy with the outcome. I always get the best compliments on my nose. He is a true artist and professional.”
— Nicole M.