TMJ & Jaw Pain Relief
Struggling with jaw pain, headaches, or TMJ problems?
You are not alone. We help people in Shelby Township and nearby find out why it hurts, and what can help.
Dr. Ban R. BarbatPracticing dentistry since 1993 · 300+ hours of extra TMJ training
Does this sound like you?
- I get a lot of headaches.
- I grind or clench my teeth, often at night.
- My jaw hurts when I chew, talk or yawn.
- My ears hurt or feel full, but my ear doctor found nothing wrong.
- My neck or shoulders hurt or feel stiff.
- My jaw clicks or pops.
- My jaw feels tired, tight or stuck.
- My teeth are worn down or sore.
- My dental work keeps breaking or failing.
- My teeth keep needing a lot of dental work, even though I take good care of them and see my dentist.
- My gums are pulling back from my teeth, even though I brush, floss and get regular cleanings.
If you said yes to any of these, your jaw or your bite may be part of the problem.
Meet Dr. Ban R. Barbat
Dr. Barbat has practiced dentistry since 1993 and has served Shelby Township since 1997. She has taken more than 300 hours of extra training in TMJ, jaw and bite problems at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). She also earned Fellowship status there.
That training shapes how she cares for jaw pain, headaches and TMJ problems.
- 1993the year she began practicing dentistry
- 300+hours of TMJ and bite training
- 4 to 7hours she usually spends studying each new TMJ case
Her approach: neuromuscular dentistry
Dr. Barbat uses an approach called neuromuscular dentistry. “Neuro” means nerves, and “muscular” means muscles. Instead of only treating the spot that hurts, it looks at how your jaw joints, jaw muscles and teeth work together. The goal is to find a jaw position where your muscles can relax.
Some people find us because they were searching for this approach.
More about Dr. Barbat and her training →What is TMD?
TMD means your jaw joints, or the muscles that move your jaw, are not working right. Many people just call it “TMJ.”
TMD can have more than one cause. One we always check is your bite, which is how your top and bottom teeth meet.
Think of a door on a crooked hinge. It squeaks and wears out. Your jaw can work the same way. When your teeth do not meet the right way, your jaw muscles may have to work too hard. Over time they can get tired and sore. That can cause pain in your jaw, face, head and even your ears.
A crooked hinge squeaks and wears out. A bite that is off can strain your jaw in a similar way.
Put your fingers in front of your ears. Now open and close your mouth.
Feel that move? Those are your jaw joints. Doctors call them the TMJ.
Finding what is behind your jaw pain
Jaw pain often has more than one thing behind it. Your bite, your jaw joints and the muscles that move your jaw all work together. When one of them is off, the others can feel it.
We start by finding the underlying factors behind your symptoms. Then we build a treatment plan that addresses what we find.
This is the heart of Dr. Barbat's neuromuscular approach, and it is why every plan starts with a full exam.
How we help
Your first consultation
This visit is for listening. Tell us where it hurts, how long it has been going on, and what you have already tried. We explain our approach, and together we decide if it may be right for you. The visit takes about 30 to 60 minutes with our team.
Your full exam
If you decide to go ahead, we use advanced technology to see how your jaw works. We take photos, a 3D X-ray of your jaw joints and a digital scan of your teeth. We also check how your jaw moves and how hard your jaw muscles work. We explain each step before we do it.
Dr. Barbat studies your results
After you leave, an outside expert reads your 3D X-ray. Then Dr. Barbat goes over all of your results herself. She usually spends 4 to 7 hours on a case before she makes your plan.
We go over your plan
You come back about two weeks after your exam. Our team walks you through what Dr. Barbat found and what she recommends. Dr. Barbat is available to answer your questions. You decide together with Dr. Barbat.
Your custom orthotic
An orthotic is made just for your mouth. It fits over your teeth, and you can take it out. It gently changes how your teeth meet, so we can see if a better bite helps you feel better. Nothing permanent is done at this stage. Many patients feel a difference within a few weeks.
The first orthotic is not meant to be worn forever. Wearing it for too long can change how your teeth come together. Once you feel better, Dr. Barbat may recommend more treatment, such as dental work or braces, to help your bite stay comfortable for the long run.
What our patients say
“Having struggled with TMJ issues for decades with no relief, I was so excited and relieved to find Dr. Barbat and her TMJ team.”Sandra S. · Google review
“Thankful to have found Dr. Barbat’s office to help with my jaw pain all while caring for my dental health.”Sarah B. · Google review
“I left Dr. Barbat’s office today, after my TMJ evaluation, with optimism that we are headed in the right direction to address my pain issues that have impacted my daily living for months.”Candy P. · Google review
“I have been having TMJ issues for a while now and see a great outlook now that a game plan is being developed to assess and treat my jaw.”Monica D. · Google review
From reviews posted on Google. Every person is different, and results vary.
Questions people ask
Is TMD the same as TMJ?
What causes TMD?
Will I need surgery?
How long until I feel better?
What is neuromuscular dentistry?
What does the first consultation cost?
The first consultation is $58 and takes about 30 to 60 minutes with our team. It is a time for us to listen, answer your questions, and explain how we can help. If you proceed, your $58 is credited toward your comprehensive evaluation. We go over every cost with you before you decide on anything else.
Help with cost: We accept CareCredit and Happen Bank (formerly LendingClub). These companies offer health care financing, and they decide who qualifies. If you move forward with an orthotic, we can split its cost into three monthly payments.
Do you take insurance?
Insurance coverage varies by plan. You can find details about the plans we work with on our Costs & Insurance page.
TMD care is different. Dental insurance does not cover our TMD treatment. Some plans may pay for part of the testing, but we cannot know ahead of time. We will walk you through every cost before you decide.
You do not have to live with jaw pain
Call us today, or send us a note and we will call you back.
Dr. Ban R. Barbat · 6044 24 Mile Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48316