TMJ & TMD Treatment for Jaw Pain in Los Angeles

TMJ & TMD Treatment for Jaw Pain Relief in Greater Los Angeles

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You Don’t Need to Live In Constant Discomfort!

Experiencing jaw grinding, clicking, or popping noises during mouth movements, difficulty in fully opening the mouth for activities like speaking, yawning, or chewing, as well as sensations of jaw locking or stiffness, can all indicate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Additionally, discomfort or pain when biting and chewing, accompanied by sensations of tension or ache in the neck, shoulders, or ears, and recurrent headaches are common symptoms associated with TMJ disorders.

These symptoms can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life, necessitating prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and restore jaw function. A TMJ specialist can help you relief that pain and restore yourmouth and jaw. Call us today to learn more.

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Why You Should Seek TMJ Treatment

Ignoring TMJ symptoms can lead to worsening discomfort and long-term complications. Early treatment by an experienced TMJ specialist not only alleviates pain but can also prevent more severe issues like wear on your teeth, changes in bite alignment, or damage to the joint.

Benefits of Seeking Professional TMJ Treatment

  1. Relief from Chronic Pain: TMJ treatment is designed to target the root cause of discomfort, offering long-lasting relief from jaw pain, headaches, and related symptoms.

  2. Improved Jaw Functionality: Proper treatment restores normal jaw movement, allowing for easier chewing, speaking, and daily activities.

  3. Enhanced Quality of Life: By alleviating pain, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident in your day-to-day life.

  4. Preventative Care for Long-Term Oral Health: Addressing TMJ issues early can prevent further complications, such as tooth wear or misalignment.

  5. Custom Solutions for Your Needs: TMJ specialists tailor treatment plans to your specific symptoms and causes, ensuring effective and personalized care.

A TMJ Specialist You Can Rely On

The technology used by our doctors to diagnose and treat TMJ and TMD signs and symptoms was developed in the 1960’s by Bernard Jankelson, DDS, in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Jankelson developed the Myomonitor, an electronic device, to assist TMJ Therapy. He then founded Myotronics, the organization that continues to educate dental and medical professionals about diagnosing and treating these disorders. Robert Jankelson, DDS, continues the work of his father in Myotronics where they continue researching and developing newer and better technologies for TMJ treatment in Los Angeles.

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Dr. Alpan’s TMJ Treatment Plan

Dr. David Alpan began to formulate his own TMJ treatment plan, based on his father’s success with Dr. Jankelson’s technology. Dr. Alpan was also mentored and influenced by Dr. Chase at the University of the Pacific (UOP) School of Dentistry in San Francisco. Dr. Alpan attended many postgraduate classes at Myotronics and earned the Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) degree for writing his Master’s Thesis on TMD research during his two year orthodontic specialty training at UOP School of Dentistry. He has been practicing TMJ therapy in private practice since 1999, when he founded Alpan Orthodontics in Los Angeles & Century City.

Step 1. Discover

Call our Los Angeles office to schedule a one-on-one consultation.

Step 2. Relax

We’ll implement the best TMJ/TMD treatment plan and an ongoing strategy for any future needs.

Step 3. Smile

You can smile knowing that you’ll enjoy your life without frequent headaches, jaw pain, or discomfort.

dr alpan and dr link

Meet Our Doctors

Welcome to Alpan Orthodontics, your trusted provider for TMJ evaluation and treatment in Los Angeles, Century City, and Woodland Hills. Our experienced team, led by Dr. David Alpan, specializes in diagnosing and addressing TMJ disorders with advanced technology and personalized care.

From identifying the root causes of your discomfort to providing customized solutions, our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting TMJ relief in LA.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Erin Gray
19:04 18 Jun 25
I had done a couple of other ortho consults elsewhere, but when I met Dr. Alpan and his staff, I knew that I was absolutely ready to move forward with treatment. They are incredibly kind and spent a significant amount of time with me to build out my treatment plan. Excited to get started!
goddess goddess
04:04 18 Jun 25
Fantastic service! Always on time and ready to greet me with warmth and care. Alpan orthodontics helped me relieve my jaw pain, neck and back pain as well. The TMJ treatment was really helpful. It elevated my discomfort and I am happy I chose Dr. Alpan to help me. Great staff and office. Highly recommend this practice for all your orthodontic needs.
poundforpoundboxing
23:19 17 Jun 25
front desk was very friendly. they answer all of my questions professionally. yesenia in particular was very helpful. i would definitely recommend
Pooneh Tanaeim
21:12 17 Jun 25
I had great results from my TMJ treatments. Was experiencing some discomfort in my jaw, neck and back. 3 sessions in and it’s helped elevate the pain. If you’re dealing with some extra stress this really helps. I know I deserve to feel calm and pain free. 1 hour sessions and it’s well worth the expense.
Jennifer Godoy
18:33 17 Jun 25
workers are nice and are gentle when attending you. they are also pretty quick to attend patients as well, even if you come early to your appointment. the environment is also nice and clean. overall, it was a great experience being their patient !
Julissa Juarez
00:11 15 Jun 25
My daughter was very happy and liked the kind treatment she received from the young man who attended her! Thank you.
Blanca Naranjo
23:16 11 Jun 25
Very good service and very friendly to everyone I love it
Angela Chen
16:10 11 Jun 25
My daughter's teeth are getting straight. Is amazing
Ray Bit
23:50 10 Jun 25
Went in for a scheduled 12-week examination. Met with an orthodontic assistant who examined my teeth, asked me relevant questions and added a small metal post. She also adjusted my retainer and entered notes into my chart. She was very profession and skilled and seemed to know her job well. She had a very steady hand and handled the equipment like someone who knew exactly what they were doing.

The doctor was equally skilled, knowledgeable and professional. Overall, my experience at my last visit was very positive and promising in achieving the results I’m hoping to attain from my treatments with Dr. Alpan! 😀
Tury
23:49 10 Jun 25
Very good customer service. Thank you to the front desk for getting me in and out of my appointment on time

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ and TMD

Myomonitor (muscle monitor) is the electronic device used to relax the muscles in your face in order to relieve muscle strain that results in signs and symptoms. It is powered by a nine-volt battery. The scientific name for this device is a Transcutaneous Electronic Neuromuscular Stimulator (TENS). The TENS device is attached to leads, which are attached to both sides of your face and neck. When it is turned on, it sends a painless electronic impulse through the leads to stimulate the nerves in the face, which contract the muscles in the face that move the lower jaw. There are 42 contractions and relaxation cycles per minute. This causes the brain to release endorphins – natural hormones that relax the muscles. After pulsing for 90 minutes, the muscles become more relaxed. Many people notice that the lower jaw has moved to a new position, or maybe not. If the lower jaw does move into a new position, the teeth now come together differently while on the Myomonitor than before the TENS treatment began. This neuro-muscular bite is different from the accommodated bite, which the patient adapted to and which may be causing the signs and symptoms of TMJ/TMD.

If Dr. David Alpan recommends 1-3 TENS treatments, and there is no change in the relationship of the lower to upper jaw and there is no alleviation or elimination of your symptoms, he will discuss other options, or refer you to another health-care provider.

  • A review of your signs and symptoms
  • An oral and physical exam
  • A diagnosis and treatment plan
  • Cancer Screening Exam

If you need TMJ/TMD therapy, Dr. David Alpan will evaluate exactly how long you will be in treatment. 1-3 TENS treatments may alleviate or eliminate your symptoms. Occasionally 1-3 TENS treatments with minor tooth adjustments alleviates or eliminates symptoms. If these procedures don’t help you, Dr. David Alpan may recommend Phase 1 TMJ Therapy or he may refer you to other therapists.

During the initial TMJ exam, Dr. Alpan will determine what the best treatment is based on your signs and symptoms and your answers to his questions. If he determines that you will benefit from TMJ therapy he will prescribe 1-3 ninety minute TENS treatments. If your symptoms persist after the 3 TENS treatments Dr. David Alpan will re-evaluate your condition and either recommend Phase 1 TMJ treatment or refer you to other therapists.

Nobody can know before treatment starts how long you will need treatment. In some cases, one TENS treatment solves the problem. In others, TENS treatment may last six months. Some patients will require a removable dental splint or mandibular orthodpedic repositioning appliance (MORA) to aid in treatment. When the teeth on the right and left side hit at the same time or when the upper teeth on the right and left side hit the removable dental Splint or MORA at the same time and this relationship holds for a few months without requiring adjustments, TMJ treatment is complete. When signs and symptoms are alleviated or totally eliminated TMJ therapy is finished. In many patients the symptoms are only lessened. TMD treatment is also referred to as “Pain Management.” Some permanent changes caused by TMJ/TMD injury or genetics, etc., may not be reversed with TMJ therapy.

If symptoms can only be lessened, Dr. David Alpan will refer you to other health care providers – a Chiropractor, Osteopath, Cranial Osteopath, Podiatrist, Physical Therapist, Bio-feedback Therapist, Psychologist, Acupressure specialist, Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, etc. Anyone that works with TMJ/TMD can help you.

Sometimes a team of doctors must treat a patient with TMJ/TMD problems at the same time. The longer the condition has existed, the longer and more expanded the treatment may become. It is for this reason that Dr. David Alpan recommends that every child be examined at age seven (7). Anyone with chronic pain or any of the other TMD-TMJ Signs and Symptoms should be examined as soon as the signs or symptoms are noticed.

After phase I TMJ therapy is completed and most if not all the symptoms have been reduced Dr. David Alpan may recommend Phase II TMJ therapy. Many patients would ask to create a more permanent solution using orthodontics to move the teeth into a position that can support the bite and not create more TMJ/ TMD symptoms. In some patients, surgery may be required.

If all your symptoms are alleviated with 1-3 TENS treatments, then nothing else happens. After Phase 1 TMJ therapy, there are ways to permanently retain the relationship of the lower jaw to upper jaw and skull without the removable dental splint or orthotic.

Some of the alternative ways to accomplish this are:

Orthodontic treatment with tooth braces = Phase 2 TMJ therapy done by Dr. David Alpan or crowns, implants, bridges, partial or full dentures done by your general dentist. Dr. David Alpan does orthodontic treatment in Phase 2 TMJ treatment when you don’t want to continue wearing the removable dental Splint. If you don’t want orthodontic treatment, he will refer you to your general dentist or a specialist if necessary.

After your teeth are moved with orthodontic treatment, the new muscle-skeletal relationship should hold for the rest of your life. You will have to wear a retainer at home and while you sleep for the rest of your life in order to prevent relapse of the moved teeth. Using a retainer after orthodontic treatment is required for everyone. Some clenching and grinding habits may still require a dental night guard long term. We look forward to helping you solve your TMJ/TMD concerns.

Some general dentists have invested the time and effort to learn about this subject. It is not taught in any of the dental schools. After the dentist graduates from dental school he/she must spend their own time, effort, and money away from their dental practices taking hundreds of hours of postgraduate courses all over the country to gather the data necessary to become a TMJ Therapist.

This is what Dr. Alpan did while in dental school, orthodontic specialty training, and after he graduated as an orthodontist in 1998. During his two years in specialty training to become an orthodontist, he spent hundreds of hours in the TMJ Clinic with Dr. Chase at the UOP School of Dentistry in San Francisco. He took many post-graduate courses on treating TMJ/TMD problems.

Myotronics, founded by Dr. Bernard Jankelson, has been developing sophisticated electronic equipment for TMJ/TMD diagnosis and treatment and instructing courses since the late 1960’s. Dr. Jack Alpan, his father (a general dentist), was trained by Myotronics in 1973. Dr. Jack did TMJ/TMD therapy from 1973-1997 and gave public lectures on this subject that Dr. David Alpan attended during his formative years. Dr. Jack inspired Dr. David regarding the importance of TMJ/TMD diagnosis and treatment for the best practice of general dentistry and orthodontics. That motivated Dr. David Alpan to make the extra effort to learn more about TMJ/TMD diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. David Alpan wrote his Master’s thesis on a TMD research project he did during his two years of orthodontic specialty training. For this he was awarded the Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) degree. He has been diagnosing and treating patients with TMJ/TMD problems since his graduation as a dentist in 1996 from the UOP School of Dentistry in San Francisco.

During the course of your TMJ/TMD therapy, you may have to wear a clear, plastic, removable dental Splint that fits over your lower teeth. To prevent excessive wear and breakage of this dental Splint, it is best to avoid very hard foods – pop corn, ice crushing, hard nuts, hard candies, etc. When you feel discomfort from eating, don’t eat hard, chewy foods.

If you don’t need a dental Splint, you can eat whatever you want. Of course, sugar and all refined and processed foods are not good for your teeth, gums and jaw bones. Eat whole natural foods (80% raw foods) that have had the least amount of processing as possible. All sweet things promote caries for 98% of the population and bone loss around the teeth for 80% of the adult population.

If you have any more questions regarding TMJ/TMD therapy not covered on this web page, please Contact Us by phone, fax, or email. We will gladly answer your questions. We look forward to seeing you at your Initial TMJ Exam appointment.

TMJ & TMD Orthodontic Treatment Locations

Century City

Century City

10231 Santa Monica Blvd Suite C, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Inglewood

Inglewood

3516 W Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303

Larchmont

Larchmont

321 N Larchmont Blvd Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90004

downtown la

Downtown LA

2424 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Woodland Hills

Woodland Hills

6325 Topanga Canyon Blvd #424, Woodland Hills, CA 91367