Services
TMJ & TMD Treatment
If you’ve been living with jaw pain, headaches, or strange clicking sounds when you chew or talk, you might be dealing with a condition called TMD—short for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. You may have also heard it called TMJ disorder, jaw joint pain, lockjaw, or even just “jaw issues.” Whatever you call it, it can seriously disrupt your daily life—and the good news is, it’s treatable.
At the Center for TMJ & Sleep Therapy in Alpharetta, we specialize in non-surgical solutions that actually work. Dr. Maggan has been helping patients find lasting relief from TMD symptoms since 2003, using custom-made oral appliances that are designed to realign your jaw, reduce tension, and let you get back to feeling like yourself again.
TMJ & TMD
What Is TMD (aka TMJ Disorder)?
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the small but mighty hinges that connect your jaw to your skull—one on each side. These joints allow you to chew, speak, yawn, and more. When they’re not functioning properly due to misalignment, inflammation, or muscle tension, it can lead to a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD.
You might see it referred to in different ways online, such as TMJ Disorder, TMJ Syndrome, Jaw Joint Disorder, Jaw Dysfunction, Myofascial Pain Disorder, or even Lockjaw (in non-emergency cases). Regardless of what it’s called, it all comes down to the same thing: an imbalance in how your jaw is working—and that’s exactly what we specialize in helping you correct.
Common Symptoms of TMD
TMD affects everyone differently, but here are some of the most common signs:
Jaw pain or stiffness, especially in the morning or after eating
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
Frequent headaches or migraines, especially around the temples
Pain in the neck, shoulders, or around the ears
Difficulty chewing or biting down evenly
Jaw that locks open or shut
A feeling of fullness in the ears, sometimes with ringing (tinnitus)
TMJ & TMD
Am I a Candidate for TMD Treatment?
If you’ve been told your jaw pain is “stress” or “just something you have to live with,” it’s time for a second opinion. You might be a good candidate for treatment if:
- You experience recurring jaw discomfort, tension, or locking
- You clench or grind your teeth (especially at night)
- You suffer from unexplained headaches, facial pain, or neck tension
- Your bite feels “off” or unbalanced
- You’ve had past dental work or trauma that affected your bite alignment
The only way to know for sure? Book a consultation with us. We’ll perform a detailed evaluation, listen to your symptoms, and let you know exactly what’s going on and how we can help.
TMJ & TMD
Understanding Jaw Function: 4 Common Types
Not all jaw issues feel the same. Here’s how we classify jaw function during our evaluations:
Normal Functioning Jaw
The disc (a cushion between the jaw and skull) is in the correct position and glides smoothly as the jaw opens and closes—no pain, popping, or stiffness.
Popping or Clicking Jaw
The disc is slightly out of place and pops into position as the jaw opens or closes. This may sound or feel like clicking and can be an early sign of joint instability.
Closed Lock
The disc is stuck out of place and physically blocks the jaw from opening fully. This is called a closed lock or anterior displacement without reduction, and usually requires prompt evaluation.
Jaw Dislocation
Also known as subluxation or open lock, this happens when the jaw opens too wide and gets stuck in the open position. If this happens to you, call us immediately.
Why We Use Oral Appliances—Not Surgery
At our practice, we don’t believe in jumping to surgery, and we’re proud to say we don’t offer it. Why? Because in the vast majority of cases, custom-fitted oral appliances do the job better—without the risks, downtime, or cost of invasive procedures.
These appliances (sometimes called TMJ splints or night guards) are carefully designed to gently reposition your jaw, ease muscle tension, and restore balance. You wear them during sleep (or sometimes during the day), and over time, they can dramatically reduce or even eliminate your symptoms.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
- Non-invasive – no surgery, no needles, no downtime
- Comfortable – custom made to fit your mouth, not a one-size-fits-all device
- Proven results – backed by years of research and patient success stories
- Safe and reversible – nothing permanent or damaging to your jaw structure
- Long-term relief – treats the root cause, not just the symptoms
Oral Appliances vs. Surgery
| Feature | Oral Appliances | Surgical Treatment |
|---|---|---|
|
Invasive |
No |
Yes |
|
Recovery Time |
None |
Weeks to Months |
|
Risk of Complications |
Very Low |
Moderate to High |
|
Reversible |
Yes |
No |
|
Customizable |
Fully Custom Fit |
Not Adjustable Once Done |
|
Cost |
Lower |
Significantly Higher |
|
Insurance Coverage |
Often Covered |
Not Always Covered |
Why Choose Us
At the Center for TMJ & Sleep Therapy, this isn’t just one of the services we offer—it’s our entire focus. Dr. Manoj Maggan is one of only a few dentists in Georgia who is dual-boarded in Craniofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine, and he has been exclusively treating TMJ disorders since 2003. With over two decades of experience and more than 140 five-star reviews on Google, Dr. Maggan has earned the trust of patients across Alpharetta, Atlanta, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, and surrounding communities.
What sets us apart is the way we approach care: personalized, non-invasive, and results-driven. We don’t believe in rushing to surgery or offering generic solutions. Instead, we take time to listen, perform detailed evaluations, and create treatment plans that are customized to each individual. When you come to us, you’re not just getting care—you’re getting a team that’s committed to helping you feel better, sleep better, and live better.
What’s Included in Your Consultation
Your initial consultation is a crucial step toward understanding your condition and creating a path to relief. At the Center for TMJ & Sleep Therapy, we take the time to listen, evaluate, and educate—so you feel confident moving forward.
Here’s what to expect during your visit:
- One-on-one discussion with Dr. Maggan
- Clinical exam of jaw, bite, and facial muscles
- Digital imaging or CBCT scan if needed
Preliminary diagnosis and treatment plan overview
TMJ & TMD
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint—your jaw joint. TMD (temporomandibular disorder) refers to any dysfunction or pain in that joint. If you’re searching for TMJ treatment in Alpharetta or the greater Atlanta area, you’re likely looking for help managing TMD symptoms.
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking sounds, headaches, or difficulty chewing, you might have TMD. The best way to find out is by scheduling a consultation at our Alpharetta office. We welcome patients from Atlanta, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, and surrounding areas.
TMD symptoms can often be significantly reduced—or even resolved—with proper treatment. At our Alpharetta TMJ center, we use non-surgical oral appliance therapy to manage symptoms and improve long-term function.
TMD can be caused by teeth grinding, clenching, jaw misalignment, arthritis, trauma, or stress. Our Alpharetta-based team takes a full-jaw approach to find the root of your issue and treat it effectively.
In most cases, no. At our Alpharetta TMJ clinic, we focus on non-surgical treatment using custom oral appliances. These are safe, reversible, and often more effective than invasive procedures.
An oral appliance is a custom-made mouthpiece that gently repositions your jaw to reduce tension and inflammation. We fit these devices at our Alpharetta office for patients from all over the Atlanta metro area.
Insurance coverage can vary, but many patients in Alpharetta and the Atlanta area have successfully received partial benefits for oral appliances and diagnostic care. We’ll help guide you through the process.
Some patients wear it for a few months; others benefit from long-term use at night. During your visit to our Alpharetta practice, we’ll recommend a treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Yes. Many of our patients from Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, and Alpharetta report improved sleep after TMD treatment. Grinding, jaw tension, and poor jaw alignment can all interfere with rest.
We’re one of the only clinics in Georgia solely focused on TMJ and sleep therapy. Dr. Maggan is dual-boarded and has been treating patients in Alpharetta and the greater Atlanta area since 2003. With over 140 five-star reviews, patients trust us for personalized, non-surgical care.