Relieve jaw pain, headaches, and clicking jaw with expert TMJ therapy. Personalized treatment plans that address the root cause — not just the symptoms.
TMJ & Functional Dentistry
TMJ disorder — also called TMD — is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in dentistry. The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull, and when it’s not working right, the effects ripple outward. Headaches. Neck tension. Clicking sounds. Teeth that wear down faster than they should.
At Carmel Family Dental, we take a functional approach to jaw health. That means we don’t just treat the pain — we find out why it’s happening. Is it a bite misalignment? Nighttime grinding? Stress-related clenching? The answer shapes the treatment.
Dr. Richard Stuart and Dr. Preston Schraeder have been diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders in the Indianapolis area for over 20 years. They use digital bite analysis, panoramic X-rays, and comprehensive jaw assessments to build a treatment plan that actually works — long-term.
Quick Reference
| Condition Treated | TMJ Disorder (TMD), Bruxism, Malocclusion, Bite Dysfunction |
| Diagnostic Tools | Digital bite analysis, panoramic X-ray, jaw joint assessment, muscle palpation |
| Treatment Options | Night guards, occlusal adjustment, Invisalign, restorative bite correction, functional dentistry |
| Night Guard Timeline | Impressions same day; appliance delivered in 2–3 weeks |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia available for occlusal adjustment; sedation available for anxious patients |
| Serving | Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville, Westfield, Noblesville |
| Insurance | Most PPO dental plans accepted; medical insurance may also apply |
| Financing | CareCredit, Lending Club, in-house payment plans available |
Our TMJ Services
If you’re grinding your teeth at night — a condition called bruxism — a custom-fitted night guard is often the first and most effective step. Unlike store-bought options, our night guards are precision-fabricated from digital impressions of your exact bite.
For more complex TMJ cases, we may recommend an anterior repositioning appliance that gently shifts your jaw into a more comfortable position while you sleep, reducing muscle strain and joint pressure over time.
Sometimes TMJ pain comes from teeth that don’t meet evenly. When your bite is off — even by fractions of a millimeter — your jaw muscles compensate by working harder than they should. Over time, that leads to pain, wear, and joint stress.
Occlusal equilibration is a precise reshaping of specific tooth surfaces to create an even, balanced bite. It’s one of the most effective long-term solutions for bite-related TMJ disorders, and it’s typically completed in one to three appointments.
When bite misalignment is the root cause of TMJ disorder, Invisalign clear aligners offer a discreet, effective way to reposition teeth and restore proper jaw function. Dr. Schraeder has completed advanced Invisalign training and has treated hundreds of patients with bite-driven TMJ issues using clear aligner therapy.
Invisalign works gradually, moving teeth into their ideal positions over 6–18 months. As the bite improves, many patients notice a significant reduction in jaw pain, headaches, and clicking — without any surgery or permanent alterations to tooth structure.
Years of grinding and clenching can wear teeth down significantly, changing the height of your bite and putting your jaw in an unnatural position. When this happens, restoring the proper bite height with crowns, onlays, or veneers can be the most effective path to lasting TMJ relief.
Dr. Stuart specializes in prosthetic and restorative dentistry, and has helped many patients in Indianapolis and Carmel restore their bite height and eliminate chronic jaw pain through carefully planned restorative treatment. This approach is often combined with a night guard for long-term protection.
Is This Right for You?
TMJ disorder affects millions of Americans, but it’s often misdiagnosed or left untreated. Here are the most common signs that a functional dentistry evaluation could help.
Morning jaw soreness or stiffness is a classic sign of nighttime grinding or clenching. A custom night guard can protect your teeth and relieve the muscle strain that causes that familiar morning ache.
If your headaches are worst in the morning and cluster around your temples, they may be TMJ-related. The jaw muscles are powerful, and overworked jaw muscles radiate tension straight to your head.
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth indicate that the jaw joint disc may be displaced. Early treatment can prevent this from progressing to more serious joint damage.
Flat, chipped, or shortened teeth — especially the front teeth — are a sign of bruxism. Left untreated, grinding can wear teeth down to the point where extensive restorative work is needed.
The jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles are all connected. Chronic TMJ dysfunction often creates a chain of muscle tension that extends well beyond the jaw — into the neck, shoulders, and even upper back.
If your teeth don’t come together evenly, or if you notice that your bite has shifted, a bite analysis can identify the cause and determine whether occlusal adjustment or orthodontic correction is the right path.
What to Expect
We know TMJ pain can be frustrating — especially when you’ve been told it’s “just stress” or given a generic solution that didn’t work. Here’s exactly what happens when you come to us.
We start with a detailed health history and symptom review. When did the pain start? What makes it better or worse? Have you had any previous dental work or trauma? This context matters.
We use digital bite paper and T-Scan technology to map exactly how your teeth are making contact. This reveals pressure points and imbalances that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
We palpate the jaw muscles and joint, check range of motion, listen for clicking or crepitus, and assess the health of the temporomandibular joint itself.
For complex cases, we may take a panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan to visualize the jaw joint in detail. This helps us identify disc displacement, bone changes, or structural issues.
We explain exactly what we found — in plain language — and present your treatment options. There’s no pressure. You’ll have time to ask questions and decide what feels right for you.
Whether it’s a night guard, bite adjustment, Invisalign, or a more comprehensive plan, you’ll leave with a clear roadmap and a realistic timeline. No surprises.
Treatment Journey
Digital bite analysis, jaw joint exam, panoramic imaging, and muscle assessment to identify the root cause of your TMJ symptoms.
We present your options — night guard, bite adjustment, Invisalign, or restorative correction — and build a personalized plan with a clear timeline.
Night guard impressions taken same day; appliance delivered in 2–3 weeks. Bite adjustment or Invisalign begins at your next appointment.
We schedule follow-up appointments to assess symptom relief, adjust your appliance if needed, and track your progress over time.
For bite-driven TMJ, Invisalign or restorative correction continues over 3–18 months, with regular check-ins to ensure your jaw is responding well.
Once symptoms are resolved, we establish a maintenance plan — including night guard use and regular bite checks — to keep your jaw healthy long-term.
Compare Your Options
Not all TMJ treatments are the same. Here’s how the most common approaches compare so you can make an informed decision.
| Criteria | Night Guard | Occlusal Adjustment | Invisalign | Restorative Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Bruxism, grinding | Bite imbalance | Bite misalignment | Worn, damaged teeth |
| Timeline | 2–3 weeks | 1–3 appointments | 6–18 months | 3–12 months |
| Permanent Change | No (removable) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Protects Teeth | Yes | Partial | Partial | Yes |
| Addresses Root Cause | No (manages symptoms) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Anesthesia Needed | No | Local (optional) | No | Yes |
| Insurance Coverage | Often partial | Often partial | Varies | Varies |
Why Carmel Family Dental
Dr. Stuart and Dr. Schraeder have been diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders in the Indianapolis area for over two decades. They’ve seen complex cases and know how to get results.
We use T-Scan digital bite analysis to map your bite with precision — identifying pressure imbalances that traditional bite paper misses. Better data means better treatment.
From night guards and bite adjustment to Invisalign and full restorative correction — we offer every TMJ treatment option under one roof. No referrals, no coordination headaches.
Dental anxiety shouldn’t stop you from getting the care you need. We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation for patients who need a little extra comfort during their appointments.
We accept most major PPO dental plans and offer CareCredit and Lending Club financing. We’ll also check whether your medical insurance covers any portion of your TMJ treatment.
With over 287 five-star reviews, our patients consistently describe feeling heard, well-informed, and genuinely cared for. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to every day.
Patient Stories
“I’d had jaw pain and morning headaches for years. Three different doctors told me it was stress. Dr. Stuart figured out it was my bite in one appointment. The night guard helped immediately, and after the bite adjustment, the headaches are almost completely gone.”
“My jaw would click so loudly it was embarrassing. I’d been ignoring it for years. Dr. Schraeder explained exactly what was happening with the joint and gave me a clear treatment plan. Six months later, no more clicking and no more neck pain.”
“I was grinding my teeth so badly that two of them cracked. Carmel Family Dental made me a custom night guard and then did the restorative work to fix the damage. Everything feels normal again. I wish I’d come sooner.”
Your TMJ Specialists
Prosthetic & Functional Dentistry Specialist
Dr. Stuart specializes in prosthetic and restorative dentistry, with deep expertise in bite analysis and functional occlusion. He has helped hundreds of Indianapolis-area patients resolve chronic jaw pain through comprehensive functional dentistry planning.
Invisalign & Implant Specialist
Dr. Schraeder completed advanced Invisalign training with the nation’s top cosmetic and orthodontic dentists. He has treated hundreds of patients with bite-driven TMJ disorders using clear aligner therapy, achieving lasting relief without surgery.
Common Questions
Serving the Indianapolis Area
Carmel Family Dental serves patients from across the greater Indianapolis area. If you’re looking for expert TMJ treatment near you, we’re here.
TMJ treatment, night guards, and functional dentistry for Indianapolis residents — just minutes from downtown.
Our home base. Comprehensive TMJ and bite correction services for Carmel families and professionals.
Zionsville patients trust Carmel Family Dental for TMJ diagnosis and personalized functional dentistry care.
Fishers residents can access expert TMJ treatment, night guards, and Invisalign bite correction at our Carmel office.
Westfield patients make the short drive to Carmel Family Dental for comprehensive TMJ and functional dentistry services.
Noblesville families choose Carmel Family Dental for trusted, experienced TMJ care and bite correction therapy.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major PPO dental plans. TMJ treatment may also be covered under your medical insurance — we’ll help you check both. Our team handles all insurance verification and billing so you don’t have to.
We offer CareCredit and Lending Club patient financing for TMJ treatment, with low monthly payment plans and interest-free options for qualified patients. We also offer in-house payment plans for ongoing treatment.
Don’t let TMJ disorder keep affecting your quality of life. Book a comprehensive TMJ consultation at Carmel Family Dental and get a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
11590 N Meridian St, Suite 100, Carmel, IN 46032 | Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm, Sat: 8am–2pm
