Your Personalized Path to TMJ Relief
Clear, step‑by‑step care to ease jaw discomfort and elevate everyday comfort


For Patients
Navigating Your TMJ Care Path
Beginning therapy for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can seem daunting, but we’re committed to guiding you from your first visit all the way to lasting relief. Below is a concise outline of each stage in your treatment plan.
Step 1: Thorough Evaluation & Diagnosis
At your initial appointment, the doctor will:
- Review your dental and general health history (New Patient Forms).
- Examine jaw movement, bite alignment, and surrounding muscles.
- Utilize advanced imaging such as CBCT or computerized jaw tracking when indicated.
- Pinpoint the underlying cause of your TMJ or sleep‑related concern and design a custom treatment roadmap.
Step 2: Precise Records & Testing
For an accurate fit and effective therapy, we may:
- Capture digital scans or impressions of your teeth and jaws.
- Conduct bite‑force analyses and muscle performance tests.
- Select the ideal oral appliance to ease TMJ strain and/or enhance airway space.
Step 3: Custom Appliance Fabrication & Delivery
A bespoke appliance is crafted to reposition your jaw and alleviate joint pressure. During the delivery visit, we will:
- Verify an exact, comfortable fit.
- Perform initial adjustments for optimal function.
- Provide detailed instructions on wear, cleaning, and care.
Step 4: Active Treatment & Progress Checks
The active phase generally spans three to four months, during which you’ll:
- Wear the appliance as prescribed—full‑time or nights only, depending on your case.
- Possibly pair treatment with physical therapy, posture training, or targeted exercises.
Regular follow‑ups allow your provider to track improvements and fine‑tune adjustments.
Step 5: Gradual Weaning & Stabilization
Once symptoms subside and alignment is stable, appliance wear is reduced gradually—often shifting to night‑time use before full discontinuation—to confirm your jaw remains balanced without assistance.
Step 6: Ongoing Maintenance & Prevention
After active therapy, healthy habits help preserve results. Your doctor may recommend:
- Minor bite refinement or orthodontic touch‑ups, if needed.
- Stress‑management techniques to minimize clenching or grinding.
- Periodic check‑ups to ensure long‑term joint stability.
Why Begin Treatment Now?
Ignoring TMJ issues can lead to escalating discomfort, headaches, and limitations in chewing or speaking. Taking action today safeguards your future comfort and overall well‑being.
Book your consultation and take the first step toward lasting TMJ relief!
Learn what our patients have to say
about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Montana
Rae Tcherneshoff2020-11-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My treatment has been nothing short of life changing. I have struggled with TMJ issues for about 10 years and it got much worse in the last year. After treatment here, I can now chew on both sides of my mouth, open my jaw all the way, no more clicking or popping, and finally no pain or ringing ears. I was skeptical at first, but Dr. VanDkye REALLY knows what she’s talking about and all the women in the office are so helpful! Josie Gordon2019-08-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr VanDyke is so knowledgeable and well educated in Sleep Disorders. She is a wonderful, caring, compassionate person. The staff is so friendly and nice that I look forward to going to the office! They are an incredible group of women😇☀️😃 Cheri Waring2019-07-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started with TMJ &Sleep Therapy Center in June this year. I was grinding teeth with mouth pieces made at the dentist offices that didn't help with my other issues. HEADACHES, not sleeping, jaw popping, pain in right ear, sinus issues. I was hoping only for help with headaches and sleep, and grinding. I recieved my more than ever expected. I sleep through the night, headache free, popping gone. Mouth pieces are so different than others I have had made. They truly gave me my life back. Thank you! Norman G.2019-07-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff is wonderful, and so knowledgeable. My wife had been suffering for a long time with jaw pain, none of the medical doctors were able to help her. Finally, after treatment she has had no more pain and life is good! Lenora Snider2019-06-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpful, knowledgeable, friendly. Made sure you understand everything that you have discussed .