TMJ/TMD Treatment in Vancouver — 35+ Years of Clinical Experience (TMD Disorder)

Experiencing TMJ Disorder? Over 35 Years of Clinical Experience in TMD & Occlusion.

Turn to Westcoast Smile Dental for TMJ/TMD care informed by more than 35 years of clinical experience in dentistry, including longstanding work in TMD and occlusion. Most people exercise other parts of their body, get massages for muscles, while the jaw can end up forgotten. One part of our jaws, the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ), connects the lower jaw (the Mandible) to a place on the side of the head (the Temporal Bone). The name ‘TMJ Disorder‘ or TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder) describes a group of conditions associated with pain, discomfort, or dysfunction to a patient’s TMJ.

The TMJ has both the ability to slide and hinge and this makes it one of the most complicated joints in the entire human body. Because it is such a complex joint, it should come as no surprise that a large percentage of people experience problems with their TMJ in Vancouver (some research suggests up to 25% experience problems with their TMJ). Dr. David Cheng brings more than 35 years of clinical experience, including longstanding work in occlusion and temporomandibular disorders. His work on TMD and bruxism has been published in peer-reviewed journals.

Review our page for Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ/TMD Treatment in Vancouver.

Clinical Experience & Published TMD Research

Dr. David Cheng brings more than 35 years of clinical experience, including longstanding work in occlusion and temporomandibular disorders. His work on TMD and bruxism has been published in peer-reviewed journals. For background on this work, read our overview of the FORM framework and our HRV biofeedback case report. You can also learn about HRV biofeedback at Westcoast Smile.

• TMD and Bruxism as Expressions of Central Regulatory State: The Functional Occlusion Regulated Model (FORM) — Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2026
• Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in the Management of TMD and Bruxism: A Case Report — Journal of the California Dental Association, 2025
• Dr. Cheng has also served as a peer reviewer for Elsevier’s Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

Common TMD Symptoms

There are three main sets of symptoms that might suggest someone might be suffering from TMJ disorder:

1. Discomfort and pain in the muscles controlling the function of your jaw
2. Traumatic injury to the jaw, a displaced disc, or dislocation of the jaw
3. Arthritis which has manifested itself in your jaw

Some of the ways you might experience these symptoms might include:

• Radiating neck, face, or jaw pain
• Temporary locking of the jaw or limited jaw movement
• Painful Clicking, Popping, or Grating associated with the opening and closing of your mouth or with jaw movements
• Alterations in the way your upper and lower teeth come together when you shut your mouth
• Headaches (often appearing to mimic migraines)
• Earaches associated with jaw pain
• Sleep disruption and fatigue

What Is Involved in TMJ Treatment?

At West Coast Smile, we develop personalized treatment plans based on our comprehensive diagnostic findings. Our advanced treatment options include:

• Kois Deprogrammer – a precise diagnostic tool that helps determine your optimal bite position
• Mounted Models Analysis – detailed study of your bite mechanics using accurate jaw movement recordings
• Custom-fitted oral appliances designed for your specific condition
• Transitional Bonding – a conservative approach to test and achieve ideal bite alignment
• Invisalign treatment to address bite-related TMD issues
• Stress management techniques guided by HRV data
• Botox treatment for muscle relaxation when appropriate

TMJ/TMD treatment starts with an individual assessment. Options should be discussed in terms of their expected benefits, limitations and risks, with progress reviewed over time. The aim is to improve comfort and jaw function; the appropriate approach and response vary from person to person.

Preparing for a jaw pain or TMJ assessment

Note when the discomfort began, where you feel it, and whether chewing, waking up or clenching changes it. Mention locking, changes in jaw movement, headaches and any previous treatment. Bring a medication list and details of any nightguard or appliance you use, and ask whether previous dental records or imaging would be helpful.

Questions to ask about TMJ treatment options

Ask what the assessment suggests about the jaw joints and chewing muscles, which conservative or reversible options are appropriate, and how progress will be reviewed. A nightguard, an injection and a treatment that changes tooth position are different interventions; their purpose, limitations and risks should be explained individually.

Our bite correction and malocclusion guide covers tooth-alignment concerns. Changing a bite should not be assumed to treat TMD. If you are considering Botox for jaw-muscle concerns, ask about the evidence, alternatives and possible side effects; evidence for relieving TMD symptoms remains uncertain.

Costs, follow-up and persistent symptoms

Before proceeding, ask which assessments or treatments are proposed, what each costs and what follow-up may involve. Confirm any coverage with your insurer rather than assuming that all TMJ-related care is covered. If symptoms persist or worsen, ask whether the diagnosis or plan needs review and whether another healthcare professional should be involved.

Further patient information: HealthLink BC: temporomandibular disorders and NIDCR: TMD assessment and treatment.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact us to book an appointment with Dr. Cheng.