TMJ Therapy and Teeth Grinding at Core Dental South Melbourne product guide

Core Dental Group TMJ Therapy and Teeth Grinding at South Melbourne

Jaw pain, clicking joints, persistent headaches, worn teeth — these are signs that your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or a grinding habit needs attention. Core Dental Group's South Melbourne practice at 324 Clarendon Street provides comprehensive TMJ assessment and therapy for patients across South Melbourne, Albert Park, Middle Park, Port Melbourne, and the surrounding inner-city area.

Understanding TMJ disorder and bruxism

The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to the skull. When this joint is placed under excessive stress through grinding, clenching, bite misalignment, or chronic muscle tension, it can produce symptoms that many patients don't initially connect to their teeth.

Common signs of TMJ disorder and bruxism include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness, particularly upon waking
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening and closing the mouth
• Persistent headaches, especially in the morning
• Earache or a sensation of fullness in the ear
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Worn, chipped, or flattened tooth surfaces
• Unexplained tooth sensitivity
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully

TMD (temporomandibular disorder) affects up to 1 in 3 adults. Sleep bruxism — grinding or clenching during sleep — is one of the most common contributing factors, and it frequently goes undiagnosed for years because the symptoms don't obviously point to teeth.

TMJ treatment at Core Dental Group South Melbourne

The South Melbourne team takes a staged, conservative approach to TMJ therapy, beginning with the least invasive options and progressing only when clinically indicated.

Custom occlusal splints and night guards

A custom-fitted occlusal splint or night guard is the most effective first-line treatment for bruxism and TMJ-related pain. Worn during sleep, the splint creates a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth, reduces grinding forces, helps relax jaw muscles, and can significantly decrease headaches and jaw pain over time. These splints are fabricated from precise dental impressions, which makes them far superior to anything available over the counter.

Bite assessment and adjustment

When the way your teeth meet places abnormal stress on the jaw joint, a thorough occlusal assessment can identify the problem. Where appropriate, targeted adjustments can relieve pressure on the TMJ.

Physiotherapy referral and collaborative care

For patients with significant muscle tension or joint dysfunction, physiotherapy is an important complement to dental treatment. The practice works with local practitioners to deliver coordinated care.

Restorative treatment for grinding damage

Severe grinding causes progressive tooth wear. Once the habit is controlled, the South Melbourne team can restore damaged teeth using composite bonding, crowns, or porcelain veneers as part of a rehabilitation plan.

Why Core Dental Group South Melbourne?

Core Dental Group is a network of 9 Melbourne locations with over 80 clinicians, including 25 or more specialists, and more than 300,000 patients served across 33 years. The South Melbourne practice sits on Clarendon Street in the inner south, convenient for local residents and workers, with access to network-wide specialist referral pathways when cases require it.

Specialist referrals — Collins Street Specialist Centre

For complex TMJ cases requiring advanced intervention, patients can be referred to the TMD Clinic at the Collins Street Specialist Centre within Smile Solutions, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD. The clinic offers specialist assessment, osteopathy, EMG (electromyographic) analysis, and therapeutic laser treatment. Your Core Dental Group dentist manages the referral, and records are shared securely within the group.

Collins Street Specialist Centre — Phone: (03) 9650 2726 | directory.smilesolutions.com.au

Book your TMJ assessment

Jaw pain and grinding are worth addressing early — the longer they go untreated, the more damage accumulates. Call Core Dental Group South Melbourne to book your assessment.

Address: 324 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 National: 13 13 16 Website: directory.coredental.com.au