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TMJ Issues and Nightguards · Manhattan

Jaw pain, headaches, and grinding — there is a solution.

TMJ disorders affect the entire bite system, not just the jaw joint. Dr. Lazare evaluates the full relationship between your teeth, muscles, and joints before recommending treatment — whether that means a precisely fitted custom nightguard, targeted therapy, or a combination protocol tailored to your specific pattern of symptoms.

Fitted for your exact bite

Custom nightguards made from bite registrations — not generic trays from a lab.

M.A.G.D. Certified

Mastership — Academy of General Dentistry. Fewer than 2% of US dentists.

Manhattan, NYC

115 E 61st St, Suite 14A · Mon–Fri + select Saturdays

Serving New York Midtown East, Upper East Side & Surrounding Areas

At Lazare Biomimetic Dentistry and Smile Design, we specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder (TMD) with a patient-centered, minimally invasive approach. Diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder can be challenging due to the complexity of symptoms and the intricate anatomy involved.


Many patients suffering from jaw pain, headaches, or bruxism (teeth grinding) find long-lasting relief with custom-made night guards for TMJ, designed for both comfort and durability. Achieving a correct diagnosis is essential before proceeding with any treatment, as it ensures the most effective care plan.


Dentists are often the first to identify and manage TMJ symptoms, providing conservative treatments such as night guards, and may refer patients to specialists if these methods are not effective. Our practice’s network of specialists allows for comprehensive care when necessary.


Causes of TMJ Disorder (TMD)

TMJ disorder (TMD) can develop from:

  • Trauma to the jaw or dislocation of the joint’s cartilage disk

  • Arthritis or connective tissue diseases that affect cartilage

  • Bite misalignment caused by missing dental or orthodontic treatment

  • Poorly fitted restorations that alter natural bite function

  • Bruxism (teeth grinding), often stress-induced during sleep

Bruxism is the most common cause, with patients exerting between 50–160 lbs. of force on their teeth at night—sometimes even more. This excessive pressure can damage tooth structure, muscles, and the temporomandibular joint over time.

Serving New York Midtown East, Upper East Side & Surrounding Areas

At Lazare Biomimetic Dentistry and Smile Design, we specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder (TMD) with a patient-centered, minimally invasive approach. Diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder can be challenging due to the complexity of symptoms and the intricate anatomy involved.


Many patients suffering from jaw pain, headaches, or bruxism (teeth grinding) find long-lasting relief with custom-made night guards for TMJ, designed for both comfort and durability. Achieving a correct diagnosis is essential before proceeding with any treatment, as it ensures the most effective care plan.


Dentists are often the first to identify and manage TMJ symptoms, providing conservative treatments such as night guards, and may refer patients to specialists if these methods are not effective. Our practice’s network of specialists allows for comprehensive care when necessary.


Causes of TMJ Disorder (TMD)

TMJ disorder (TMD) can develop from:

  • Trauma to the jaw or dislocation of the joint’s cartilage disk

  • Arthritis or connective tissue diseases that affect cartilage

  • Bite misalignment caused by missing dental or orthodontic treatment

  • Poorly fitted restorations that alter natural bite function

  • Bruxism (teeth grinding), often stress-induced during sleep

Bruxism is the most common cause, with patients exerting between 50–160 lbs. of force on their teeth at night—sometimes even more. This excessive pressure can damage tooth structure, muscles, and the temporomandibular joint over time.

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What Is the Temporomandibular Joint?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull, functioning like a sliding hinge. It is one of the most active joints in the body, responsible for movements of the jaw and face, including chewing, speaking, and swallowing. When the joint or surrounding muscles are compromised, TMD symptoms such as pain, stiffness, facial tenderness, or clicking may occur. Limitation of jaw movement can also result from TMJ issues, making daily activities more difficult.

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Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Patients experiencing TMJ disorder may notice symptoms related to the temporomandibular joints, such as:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness (one or both sides)

  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth

  • Headaches (often in the morning)

  • Stiff or fatigued jaw muscles

  • Neck pain or stiffness

  • Lockjaw or difficulty opening the mouth fully

  • Earaches or ringing in the ears

  • Changes in bite alignment

Diagnosing TMJ Disorder and Irregularities of the Jaw Joint

Along with physical symptoms, Dr. Lazare can assess a patient for TMJ disorder with a thorough evaluation. He may view and feel the area, noting any signs of inflammation that could be attributed to improper function of the lower jaw. He may also determine if there is regular movement of the jaw in each direction — forward, back, up, down, and side-to-side. If these movements are accompanied by sounds, Dr. Lazare can hear them during the exam. Sometimes, X-rays or other imaging is a necessary step in diagnosing TMJ disorder.


In complex cases, referral to a maxillofacial surgeon or oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be necessary for advanced diagnostics and specialized evaluation. If initial treatments are not effective, further attention from these specialists ensures comprehensive care and proper management of TMJ disorders.

Why Choose Lazare Biomimetic Dentistry for TMJ Treatment?

  • Led by Dr. Marc Lazare, DDS, MAGD, known as “Dentist to the Stars”

  • Minimally invasive, conservative-first approach

  • Advanced diagnostics and custom-fabricated night guards

  • Convenient location on Manhattan’s Upper East Side

  • Personalized care designed for long-term oral health and comfort

  • Highest level of expertise and safety in TMJ and facial pain treatment

  • Commitment to quality care and optimal patient outcomes

  • Multidisciplinary team of specialists providing comprehensive TMJ care

Candidates for TMJ Disorder Therapies

Patients interested in treatments for their TMJ disorder can schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Lazare to discuss their symptoms and learn more about treatment options. Dr. Lazare will collect and review a full medical and dental history and perform an examination to determine the source of discomfort. Dr. Lazare may also capture x-rays or other types of images to better understand jaw function and any underlying issues. The best candidates for TMJ disorder treatment are those who are willing to try more conservative approaches, and agree to follow at-home regimens, such as the daily use of a night guard.

TMJ & Night Guards NYC: Frequently Asked Questions

Can TMJ Disorder Be Cured?

Most cases of TMJ disorders can be treated conservatively and successfully. Only a small number of cases require surgical correction, usually with those individuals who have suffered a traumatic injury. The first step is to eliminate the pain and muscle spasms. In mild cases, this can be done with moist heat packs, a non-chewy diet, and muscle relaxants (if necessary). It is also important not to try to test the degree of pain by opening and closing, but rather try to rest the TMJ and give it time to heal. The next step would be to try and become aware of the potential sources of stress and tension that could lead to clenching and grinding. A conservative therapeutic device that may work well for you is a corrective bite plate (made by your dentist), that will help to relax the muscles, thus preventing headaches, pain and spasm.Selective filing of an uneven bite to correct the “high” spots is a final attempt to treat TMJ conservatively, because the removal of tooth structure is an irreversible process.

What Is the Main Cause of TMJ?

Stress is the most common factor behind TMD, and should be treated alongside the physical symptoms of the joint issues. Mental stress can manifest as physical symptoms, even if we are not conscious of it. Some people enduring a stressful event may notice short term TMJ disorder, while those with issues like anxiety or chronic stress may find that problems like bruxism are ongoing.A common consequence of stress are clenching and grinding, which can tire and strain the chewing muscles, causing them to go into spasm and cause pain. An improper bite can also result in TMJ dysfunction. Among the symptoms are: headaches (usually upon awakening), tenderness or fatigue of the jaw muscles, earaches, and pain or difficulty when chewing, yawning or opening wide. Clicking or popping sounds are very common signs, and in some extreme cases, the jaw can actually get stuck in the open or closed position.

Is My Headache Related to a TMJ Disorder?

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of one’s TMJ syndrome, although it is often related to stress. It also may be the result of a traumatic accident or a disease such as arthritis.

Why Is a Night Guard the First Method of Treating TMJ Disorder?

While there are more invasive methods available, Dr. Lazare typically suggests beginning TMD treatments conservatively with the use of a night guard. The guard can provide clues as to the patient’s nighttime jaw movements, and will alleviate pain associated with the hard pressure placed on the teeth by acting as a buffer. In many cases, the use of a night guard is sufficient in treating TMD. The added benefit is that a night guard made of a hard material will also keep the teeth in proper alignment, serving as a nighttime retainer.

Is TMJ Disorder a Condition That Will Last Forever?

While Dr. Lazare can successfully manage TMJ disorders, he must first diagnose the cause of joint issues. In cases of situational stress, tooth grinding and jaw clenching may subside when the stressful event ends, or the patient is able to manage difficulties in their life. When a connective tissue disease or arthritis causes dysfunction in the joint of the lower jaw, the condition may be chronic until the disease is controlled. Most patients will not experience TMJ disorder (or at least its negative effects) long term.

What Should You Do if Your Jaw Starts Making a Popping Sound When You Open It?

If you are among the millions of people who have been diagnosed with TMJ syndrome, these may be among the symptoms. The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is a joint that attaches the lower jaw to your skull. The symptoms described may be a result of the TMJ not functioning properly, due to one or more of the following having been adversely affected: your chewing muscles, joints, ligaments or surrounding bones.

Patient Reviews

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5.0

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311 reviews

5.0

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Great service! Most detailed consultation I’ve ever had.

Michael Twiton

Jun 4, 2026

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5.0

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Marc is an amazing dentist. He saved my tooth as well as saving me a lot of money and discomfort. What he did was pretty fancy and you can’t help but appreciate his skill.

Stewart Waltzer

Jun 4, 2026

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5.0

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I have received a few services from Dr.Lazare’s office. As soon as I entered their office, I was greeted by their very sweet office administrator, Samantha- who took my information and offered me water. Dr. Lazare was very kind and funny. He’s worked on my teeth and has honestly been the best dentist that I’ve received treatment from. He takes his time and explains everything throughly. I also had a great experience with their hygienist, Therese. While performing my oral cleaning I felt no pain and it was the best oral cleaning I’ve ever had performed. The checking out process with Samantha was quick and easy. Overall Dr.Lazare’s office is very clean, friendly and dedicated to their work for their patients.

Kassandra Marin

Jun 4, 2026

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At Lazare Biomimetic Dentistry and Smile Design, located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to support your long-term oral health and smile goals.

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From advanced cosmetic enhancements to preventive care and biomimetic restorative techniques, each treatment is delivered with precision and a deep respect for preserving what's healthy and natural.

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Take the first step toward a confident, natural-looking smile with personalized, minimally invasive care. Schedule your consultation today and discover how subtle changes can make a meaningful difference.

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