TMJ Treatment & Therapy in Itasca, IL
Conservative, evidence-based TMJ care from a dentist with 35+ years treating jaw disorders.Chicago Top Dentist 10+ Years | 35+ Years TMJ Experience | Insurance & Financing Help
Why Choose Us for TMJ Treatment
35+ Years of TMJ Experience
Dr. Kathy French has helped Itasca-area patients with TMJ disorders since 1988.
Comprehensive Diagnosis
We use bite analysis, occlusal evaluation, and detailed history-taking to understand the source of your TMJ pain before recommending treatment.
Conservative Treatment Approach
We start with the least invasive options (oral appliances, bite adjustments) before considering anything more aggressive.
Insurance Navigation Help
TMJ coverage can be complicated; we help patients understand benefits and out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
What Is TMJ Therapy?
TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. Symptoms can include jaw pain, clicking or popping, headaches, ear discomfort, lockjaw and difficulty chewing. TMJ disorders often have multiple contributing causes: bite alignment, muscle tension, teeth grinding, stress or past injury.
Treatment at Hamilton Lakes Dentistry starts with a comprehensive evaluation. We examine your bite, your jaw movement and your dental history, and then we ask about your symptoms, sleep patterns and stress levels. Based on your evaluation, we recommend a personalized treatment plan that may include a custom oral appliance (night guard or splint), bite adjustment, muscle relaxation techniques or a combination.
Most patients see meaningful improvement within weeks of starting conservative treatment. We monitor your progress closely and adjust your plan based on how you respond, because TMJ care is a process, not a one-visit fix.
Comprehensive TMJ Evaluation
Our diagnostic process includes bite analysis (looking at how your teeth come together), TMJ palpation (assessing joint and muscle tenderness), range-of-motion measurement, and review of any imaging you bring or that we order. Custom oral appliances are made from precise impressions or digital scans and adjusted at follow-up visits to optimize comfort and effectiveness.
TMJ Insurance & Financing
TMJ treatment is sometimes covered by medical insurance, sometimes by dental insurance, and sometimes by both. Your coverage depends on your specific procedure, your plan, and how the treatment is coded. Our team helps every TMJ patient understand their benefits before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans. For procedures that may be covered by medical insurance (like certain oral appliances), we’ll provide the documentation you need to file a claim.
If insurance only covers a portion — or none — of recommended treatment, we offer third-party financing through partners that provide monthly payment plans. Many TMJ patients find that spreading the cost over time makes meaningful, lasting treatment financially manageable.
Schedule a consultation by calling (630) 773-6966. We’ll review your symptoms, evaluate your bite, and outline both treatment options and projected costs before any treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pain is TMJ?
TMJ symptoms commonly include jaw pain, clicking or popping when you open your mouth, recurring headaches (especially in the morning), ear pain or fullness, lockjaw, or difficulty chewing. A comprehensive dental evaluation can usually distinguish TMJ from other causes — call (630) 773-6966 to schedule.
What treatments do you offer for TMJ?
We start with conservative treatments, typically a custom oral appliance (night guard or splint), bite adjustment and muscle-relaxation guidance. Most patients improve significantly with these treatments. More aggressive treatments are reserved for severe cases that don’t respond to conservative care.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
Most patients see noticeable improvement within 4–8 weeks of starting conservative treatment. Some achieve full relief; others manage symptoms long-term with appliance therapy and bite maintenance. We monitor your progress closely and adjust your plan as needed.
Will my insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Coverage varies by plan and procedure. We’ll verify your benefits and explain coverage in plain language before starting treatment. Some procedures are covered by dental insurance; some by medical insurance; some by both.
Do you do TMJ surgery?
We don’t perform TMJ surgery. Most TMJ disorders respond well to conservative dental care. If your case requires surgical evaluation, we’ll refer you to a qualified specialist, but the vast majority of our patients never need surgery.
What happens at the first TMJ consultation?
Your first visit is a comprehensive evaluation: your history, exam of your bite and TMJ, range-of-motion measurement, and discussion of your treatment options. Plan on about 60 minutes. We don’t pressure you to start treatment that day, and most patients return for a separate appointment to begin care.
Hours & Location
Office Hours
Monday: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
Thursday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
Visit Our Office
Hamilton Lakes Dentistry
500 Park Blvd Suite 180C
Itasca, IL 60143
Phone: (630) 773-6966
Get Relief From TMJ Pain
Chicago Top Dentist 10+ Years. Call (630) 773-6966 to schedule your TMJ consultation or fill out the form below.