Smiles proudly offers TMJ wellness and TMJ specialist treatment for children and teenagers in Los Angeles. Children’s and teenager’s jaw health plays a key role in their everyday lives and aids in functions like chewing, swallowing, speaking, and yawning. Sometimes, kids and teens live with popping, clicking or even jaw locking thinking that it is normal. Examining the TMJs, evaluating functional mouth-opening and palpating the facial musculature can shed light on symptoms that our young clients may be experiencing and help us formulate a gentle, palliative, and effective treatment plan to ensure their complete comfort and well-being.
TMJ Well-being ·
TMJ Well-being ·
TMJ Well-being ·
TMJ Well-being ·
TMJ Well-being ·
Understanding the TMJ:
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and is the hinge joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. The TMJ consists of bones, muscles, ligaments, and a small disc that cushions the joint to allow smooth jaw movement. Located on each side of the head in front of the ears, the pair of TMJ joints function in synchronized harmony allowing for smooth movements of the lower jaw.
The TMJ joint uniqueness:
- The TMJ combines both a hinge and a sliding motion, making it one of the most complex joints in the body.
- The jaw moving apparatus consists of twin joints with one TMJ present on each side of the lower jaw.
- TMJ joints must function in orchestrated unison to achieve smooth jaw movement.
TMJ Disorders (TMD):
Studies show that temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common in the pediatric and teen groups and can manifest in three main ways:
- Disorders of the joints, including disc disorders.
- Disorders of the chewing muscles (masticatory muscles).
- Headaches associated with TMD.
Common Signs and Symptoms of TMD:
Causes of TMD in kids and teens:
Smiles’ Gentle approach to TMD management:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We conduct a detailed assessment of your child’s or teen’s jaw, bite, and overall oral health to identify the cause of their TMD.
- Customized Treatment Plans: We create personalized temporomandibular disorder treatment plans based on your child’s or teen’s unique needs.
- Non-Invasive Methods: We focus on gentle therapies to manage symptoms and offer relief and healing.
- Lifestyle Modifications: We provide guidance on small changes that can reduce TMD symptoms, such as posture correction, diet modifications, and proper hydration.
What to expect during a TMJ wellness visit:
Benefits of Early TMD Treatment in kids and teens:
TMD Treatment options:
Hover or tap to reveal steps
1
First-line treatments for managing TMD in younger patients:
- Self-Care and Lifestyle Changes
- Resting the jaw (avoiding gum chewing, tough foods).
- Practicing proper posture (especially for teens using screens).
- Applying moist heat or cold packs to relieve muscle pain.
- Stress management techniques (breathing exercises, mindfulness).
2
Physical Therapy:
- Jaw and neck stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Massage therapy to reduce muscle tension.
3
Red-Light Therapy:
- TheraFace Pro by Therabody infrared and red-light therapy
4
Laser Therapy:
- Photobiomodulation with Gemini Laser
- Solea Laser for muscular relaxation
5
Dental and Orthodontic Solutions
- Bite Adjustments and orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners to correct malocclusion.
- Habit Correction: Addressing oral habits like nail-biting, thumb-sucking, or tongue thrusting.
- Orthotic Devices: Custom-made, 3D printed, occlusal splints or night guards to reduce bruxism.
6
Pain Management:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen
- Muscle relaxants for short-term use in severe cases.
7
Advanced Interventions:
- Botox Injections: Temporarily relaxes overactive jaw muscles.
- Trigger Point Injections : For targeted pain relief in the jaw and surrounding muscles.
8
Collaborative care:
We facilitate a team approach and foster collaborations with other practitioners such as pediatricians, ears/nose/throat (ENT) physicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, myofuncional therapists and oral surgeons to ensure complete wellness for our children and teens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a poor airway cause TMD?
An obstructed airway can significantly contribute to the development or exacerbation of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) due to the interconnected relationship between breathing, posture, muscle function, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Chronic mouth breathing and open-mouth posture can lead to an altering of the jaw position. This creates tension on the joint and surrounding musculature. Early detection of airway issues in children is key to ensure that they are getting proper sleep and good rest. We collaborate with pediatricians and ENT physicians and educate parents about the importance of this collaboration. Sleep studies may be recommended to diagnose or rule out sleep apnea, tonsil, android and airway issues.
How can stress contribute to TMD?
Stress can contribute to muscle tension, jaw clenching/bruxism, poor posture, altered jaw movements, sleep disturbances and oral habits. When we are worried, stress hormones like cortisol are released in our bodies increasing inflammation and pain. New schools and environments, social changes, exams and competitions are all factors that may cause emotional tension for kids and teens. We believe in supporting kids and teens and helping them understand the mind/body relationship and the role that emotions play on our wellbeing.
How long does TMD treatment take?
TMD treatment sessions for children and teens are about thirty minutes long. During the session, we use a combination of laser palliative therapy, red-light therapy and physical therapy. We also educate and empower our young clients to promote self-care at home. Most kids do very well within 3 sessions of treatment. Follow up for orthodontic care or night guards will continue as we see them for routine dental check-ups.
Is TMD treatment comfortable?
Yes! The sessions are calm, spa-like sessions that are palliative and gentle. Kids really enjoy the relaxing music and sensations of the light and physical therapy. We use organic essential oils and all-natural muscle relaxants.
Can TMD go away on its own?
Kids and teens certainly have high healing capabilities, and some TMD cases can be self-limiting. However, symptoms should be addressed. We believe that health is our birthright and that children should be given every opportunity to nurture well-being through gentle guidance to set the stage for a lifetime of wellness.
My 7-year-old still has mostly baby teeth. Is it too early to see an orthodontist?
🦷⏰ Is your 7-year-old still mostly rocking baby teeth? 🤔 Curious if it’s time for an orthodontist visit? Swipe to learn why early checkups matter! ➡️✨
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West Los Angeles, we believe that catching concerns early helps shape healthy, confident smiles. 😊 Our gentle, caring team is here to guide your child’s smile journey with warmth and personalized attention every step of the way. 💛🦷
Want to share your experiences? 🗣️ Drop a comment — we love hearing from families and supporting your smile stories. 🌟
Have questions? 💬 We’re here to provide kind, expert answers whenever you need them.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
✉️ info@smilesla.com
Nurturing smiles that last a lifetime! 💛✨🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #pediatricorthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentistWestLosAngeles #PediatricOrthodontistWestLosAngeles #HealthySmiles #EarlyOrthodontics #FamilyDentistry #WestLA
🦷💫 Meet Dr. Ivy, with team Smiles board-certified orthodontist and proud Los Angeles native!🌴
After completing her dental degree at UCSF 🎓 and orthodontic specialty at NYU 🗽, she returned home to help kids and teens grow in their smiles 😃, confidence 💪, and self-esteem .
✨ Your child’s smile deserves a one-stop dental home , and we have it! Gentle pediatric care to expert orthodontics, we’ve got it all under one roof at Smiles! 🦷💫
What’s one thing that makes you feel more confident when you smile? 💬 Drop your thoughts below ⬇️💎
Want to learn more about how Dr. Ivy at Smiles can help your child with Orthodontics?
✨ Give our office a call today! ☎️
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care 💕, bright smiles , and confidence that lasts a lifetime ✨
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #DrIvy #DrIvyOrthodontist #DentalHome #TeamSmiles
@dr.ivyortho
Why does my child have two rows of teeth like a shark?
🦈🦷 Seeing two rows of teeth in your child’s smile? Wondering what’s happening? Swipe to uncover the reason! ➡️✨
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, located in West Los Angeles, we know every smile has its surprises. Our caring team is dedicated to helping your child through each stage with patience and personalized attention, making sure their smile stays strong and happy.
Have questions? We’re just a phone call or message away, ready to support your family with warmth and kindness.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
✉️ info@smilesla.com
Helping little smiles grow bright and healthy! 💛🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentistWestLosAngeles #SharkTeeth #FamilyDentistry #WestLA #babyteethmatter #babyteethtips
✨ A lot of parents wonder why their child’s newly erupted permanent teeth can appear yellow. Smiles Founder Dr. Reem says this happens because baby teeth, also called “milk teeth,” are naturally very white 🦷💛. When permanent teeth come in, they may appear a bit darker by comparison, but over time, as more permanent teeth come in and baby teeth exfoliate, Smiles tend to brighten to a healthy, pearly white 🌟
Does your child have permanent teeth that yellow? Let us know in the comments below!
💛 At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA, we’re dedicated to nurturing your child’s smile with gentle, expert care every step of the way 🤗.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
Caring for bright smiles and confident kids with heart and expertise 💛🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #PediatricDentalEducation #PermanentTeeth #BabyTeeth #WestLAPediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Oralhealth
My child has a small cavity — do we really need to treat it right away?
🦷⚠️ Your child has a small cavity — is it really urgent to treat it? Swipe to learn more! ➡️✨
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our compassionate team in West Los Angeles understands how even small concerns can feel big when it comes to your child’s smile. We’re here to provide gentle, expert care and support every step of the way, making sure your little one feels comfortable and confident.
If you have questions or worries about your child’s dental health, we’re just a call or message away — ready to help with kindness and care.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
✉️ info@smilesla.com
Caring for smiles, big and small! 💛🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #pediatricorthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentistWestLosAngeles #PediatricOrthodontistWestLosAngeles #HealthySmiles #CavityCare #FamilyDentistry #WestLA
🦷 From the field to the dentist’s chair: Running back Sean Morris trusts the Solea laser at Smiles
Caption
Big congratulations to Sean Morris (@springplayer), who just committed to Northwestern as their first running back in this class 🏈. Before heading off to chase Big Ten glory, Sean came to Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for his own victory: a pain-free Solea laser cavity treatment and cleaning.
No drills. No needles. Just comfort and care. That’s the future of dentistry for kids, teens, and even elite athletes.
💬 Would you want your child’s cavities treated without drills or shots? Drop a comment below.
📩 Curious about Solea laser dentistry? Contact our office today.
Contact Information
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Caring, loving, and gentle dentistry for the toughest sports!
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #LaserDentistry #sportsdentistry #painfreedentistry #explorepage #explore #viral #trending #footballstar
@springplayer
@solea
🦷🤔 Do baby teeth really matter if they’re just going to fall out? Swipe to discover why they’re so important! ➡️✨
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe every little smile deserves the best care from the very start. Our caring team in West Los Angeles is dedicated to creating a gentle, supportive space where your child’s dental health and confidence can thrive at every stage.
If you’re wondering about your child’s dental milestones, we’re here to answer your questions with warmth and expertise.
📞 (310) 837-6453
✉️ info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Building strong smiles, one tooth at a time! 💛🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #pediatricorthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentistWestLosAngeles #PediatricOrthodontistWestLosAngeles #HealthySmiles #BabyTeethMatter #FamilyDentistry #WestLA
Brighter smiles, faster healing, light and care—this is the evolution of laser dentistry.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Solea® and Gemini™ lasers help us provide safe, comfortable, and modern dental care for kids and teens. Our latest blog takes you inside the evolution of laser technology in dentistry—from light to healing.
Blog 👉 https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/light-to-healing-the-evolution-of-laser-in-pediatric-dentistry
Written by our wonderful Dr. Reem, this article traces the journey of dental lasers from Einstein’s early vision to today’s advanced Solea® and Gemini™ systems, showing how this innovation is shaping the future of pediatric care and transforming smiles with comfort and precision.
💬 Curious about the benefits of laser dentistry? Share your thoughts or questions below!
📩 Contact us to see how lasers can make your child’s next visit gentler.
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 West LA
💡 From light to healing — intelligent, gentle, and supportive care every step of the way.
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #LaserDentistry #SoleaLaser #GeminiLaser #lightheals #LightHealing #DentalInnovation #LaserEvolution #oralcare #parentsneedtoknow #foryou #explorepage #solealaser
