There are a few ways to treat TMJ disorders.

Conservative treatments (first-line):

• Jaw rest and soft diet to reduce strain.
• Warm compresses or ice for pain relief.
• NSAIDs or muscle relaxants for inflammation and muscle tension.
• Physical therapy (jaw exercises, posture correction, manual therapy).
• Occlusal splints/night guards, including full-coverage stabilization splints and NTI-tss (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition Tension Suppression System) devices, which reduce clenching forces by limiting posterior tooth contact and decreasing muscle hyperactivity.

Advanced or adjunctive treatments:

• Botox (botulinum toxin) injections into the masseter muscles can reduce excessive muscle activity and clenching. This helps relieve jaw pain, tension headaches, and muscle hypertrophy. Effects typically last 3–4 months and may require repeat treatments.
• Stress management when bruxism is stress-related.

Surgical options are reserved for severe, refractory cases.

Most TMJ disorders improve with conservative management, and treatment is individualized based on whether symptoms are primarily muscular, joint-related, or both.