Jaw pain, clicking, or tightness can sneak up. Sometimes it starts as a little tension. Other times, it's more noticeable when chewing or talking. These might be signs of temporomandibular disorder, often called TMD. It affects how the jaw moves and how the teeth and jaw joints line up.

A TMD Dentist is someone who studies the way the jaw and mouth work together when things feel off. Dr. Benjamin Polan is known in Beverly, MA, for looking closely at how jaw movement connects to comfort. When the jaw isn’t moving smoothly, it often shows up in ways people don’t expect.

What Happens When the Jaw Doesn’t Work Right

Most people don’t think about their jaw much until it starts hurting. But the jaw joints do a lot every day. Eating, talking, yawning, or even making facial expressions can start to feel strained when something’s off.

• Some people notice soreness on one or both sides of their face

• Others find it harder to open their mouth wide

• Clenching or grinding might happen during stressful moments or overnight

• Clicking or popping sounds when chewing can creep in slowly

These signs are often brushed off at first. Many people adjust without realizing it, but over time, the discomfort can turn into headaches or limited jaw motion. If left unaddressed, these issues may gradually impact daily tasks or your overall mood. Jaw pain can sometimes radiate, and difficulty chewing or talking may disrupt moments with friends or during meals.

What Dr. Benjamin Polan Looks at During a Visit

When people visit with worries about the jaw or face tension, Dr. Benjamin Polan takes time to study how everything is moving. He watches how the jaw shifts during regular movements like opening and closing the mouth or biting down gently.

• He may check how the upper and lower teeth fit together

• Light pressure in certain areas helps reveal where the jaw might be under stress

• Imaging or jaw tracking tools might help show less obvious problems

• Each movement is observed to see if the jaw shifts unevenly or gets stuck

These steps help build a clearer picture of what your jaw is experiencing. Dr. Benjamin Polan isn’t only looking for pain. He’s looking for clues in how muscles, joints, and teeth are working together. Even small imbalances may explain why some movements feel harder. Detailed observation lets him identify habits, like favoring one side, that could be contributing to ongoing discomfort.

Common Treatments TMD Patients May Be Offered

For people dealing with jaw tension or pain, simple steps can sometimes offer relief. Dr. Benjamin Polan may recommend habit changes or small adjustments that support better jaw function over time.

• Avoiding gum chewing or hard-to-bite foods when the jaw feels sore

• Adjusting posture, especially during long hours at a desk or on the phone

• Using a gentle, guided technique to relax the jaw muscles

• Wearing custom-made appliances that help the jaw stay in a more restful position during sleep

At North Shores Sleep and TMJ, we offer custom orthotic appliances to reposition the jaw, digital bite analysis for greater diagnostic accuracy, and comprehensive follow-up care to help you manage symptoms over the long term.

These options are often meant to reduce pressure and help reduce the chance of grinding or clenching. Dr. Benjamin Polan also helps people identify patterns that trigger discomfort so they can make everyday choices that give the jaw time to rest. Sometimes, even making slight changes in your bedtime routine or work posture can have an effect on daily levels of jaw pain.

Over time, focusing on these small changes can improve quality of life. Customized approaches ensure each person gets recommendations that suit their unique needs.

Connecting TMJ Concerns to Other Discomforts

Jaw strain doesn’t always stay in the jaw. Many people notice other symptoms first without realizing they could be connected.

• Stiffness in the neck or shoulders

• A dull ache behind the eyes or near the temples

• Trouble sleeping well or waking up feeling tense in the face

Because the jaw muscles connect with the head and neck, tension can spread. Some find their symptoms lessen once the jaw begins moving more naturally again. For others, better jaw posture helps reduce tightness throughout the day. Secondary symptoms, such as minor headaches or earaches, sometimes begin to improve once care is started for TMD.

Dr. Benjamin Polan often hears people say they didn’t expect relief in one area to affect another. But when one part of the body relaxes, other areas can feel the difference, too. This ripple effect highlights the importance of a coordinated approach in addressing TMD discomforts.

When to Consider a TMD Dentist Like Dr. Benjamin Polan

Not every click or ache needs extra attention. But there are signs that it might be time to get the jaw checked out. If jaw issues keep coming back or start to interfere with daily life, they’re worth looking into.

• Clenching or grinding day after day

• Pain or tightness that doesn’t go away on its own

• Trouble chewing or yawning fully

• Feeling like the jaw moves unevenly

For some patients, an individualized TMD assessment may include 3D imaging and muscle tension mapping so that subtle jaw problems can get the right care from the start.

Sometimes the discomfort builds slowly before someone realizes how much it's affecting their day. Dr. Benjamin Polan pays attention to these patterns so that small issues can be addressed before they turn into long-term pain. Recognizing these signs early may prevent headaches, trouble sleeping, or persistent soreness from becoming a common part of your routine.

Finding Relief Through Better Jaw Function

When the jaw feels tense, sore, or uneven, it can affect how a person speaks, sleeps, eats, and focuses. The good news? Many people start noticing improvement once the jaw begins moving more smoothly. With time and consistent steps, sore spots often become less frequent, and daily activities feel easier again.

Dr. Benjamin Polan spends time helping people connect the pieces between what they feel and how their jaw behaves. He studies patterns and movement so those hard-to-describe discomforts begin to make more sense. Getting the jaw back into a rhythm helps more than just bite and speech; it can create comfort throughout the whole day.

A well-functioning jaw supports not only eating and speaking but can also make daily life feel more relaxed. When professional support and targeted changes come together, relief may arrive sooner.

Jaw pain and tightness can disrupt your daily life, and understanding the root cause is key to lasting relief. At North Shores Sleep and TMJ, we take the time to evaluate jaw movement, how the teeth come together, and what small adjustments could help ease discomfort. 

Consulting with a TMD Dentist in Beverly, MA, gives you the advantage of expert care focused on restoring comfort and function. Reach out to our team to get your questions answered and discover your next steps toward