TMJ Relief in Kansas City

Relieve Jaw Tension

Helping patients find answers for jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ disorders.

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You Don’t Have to Live With Jaw Pain

Many people assume jaw pain is simply something they have to tolerate. In reality, TMJ disorders are highly treatable. At Midwest Oral and Craniofacial Specialists, we work to identify the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan focused on long-term relief and improved function.

Understanding TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your jaw to your skull and play an important role in speaking, chewing, and everyday movement. When these joints or the surrounding muscles become irritated or dysfunctional, patients may experience pain, limited movement, headaches, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Common Signs & Symptoms

TMJ disorders can affect much more than just the jaw.

Jaw Pain

Pain, soreness, or tenderness around the jaw joints, cheeks, or surrounding muscles.

Headaches

Frequent headaches or migraines that may originate from jaw tension and muscle strain.

Clicking & Popping

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

Limited Jaw Movement

Difficulty fully opening the mouth, chewing comfortably, or moving the jaw normally.

Signs It’s Time for Help

Persistent TMJ symptoms should not be ignored.

Daily Jaw Pain

Jaw discomfort that interferes with eating, speaking, sleeping, or daily activities.

Frequent Headaches

Recurring headaches or facial pain that may be linked to jaw dysfunction.

Locking Jaw

Episodes where the jaw becomes stuck open, closed, or difficult to move.

Difficulty Eating

Pain while chewing or avoiding certain foods because of jaw discomfort.

Symptoms Getting Worse

Pain, clicking, or mobility issues that continue to increase over time.

Teeth Grinding

Clenching or grinding habits that create tension and strain on the jaw joints.

Talk With Our Experts

Get in touch with our specialists to talk about next steps and treatment options.

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The TMJ Evaluation Process

  • 01

    Medical History Review

    We discuss your symptoms, health history, lifestyle factors, and previous treatments.

  • 02

    Comprehensive Examination

    Our specialists evaluate jaw movement, muscle function, bite alignment, and joint health.

  • 03

    Advanced Imaging

    When appropriate, imaging studies provide a more detailed view of the jaw joints and surrounding structures.

  • 04

    Diagnosis & Discussion

    We explain our findings and help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.

  • 05

    Personalized Treatment Plan

    Treatment recommendations are tailored to your specific condition, goals, and lifestyle.

Explore Care Options

Precise injections for strategic, effective pain relief.

Botox for TMJ & Headaches

Surgical treatment for severe TMJ damage, dysfunction, and persistent pain.

TMJ Surgery

Find the Care You Need

Navigate your next steps with confidence and personalized recommendations.

Find the Right Care Path

Meet Our Craniofacial Specialists

Meet the Team
Meet the Doctor

Patrick Christopher

DDS, MD

Pediatric Cleft & Craniofacial Surgeon

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Robert O. Weiss II

MD, DDS.

Pediatric Cleft & Craniofacial Surgeon

We Are on Every Insurance Plan

We know that accessible craniofacial care is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Patients Are Our Why

  • Our family and friends have asked us if we’re nervous for surgeries and our response has always been no. We genuinely feel like we’re sending our child back to two goofy uncles who just so happen to be highly skilled..."

    - Kross R.

    Our family and friends have asked us if we’re nervous for surgeries and our response has always been no. We genuinely feel like we’re sending our child back to two goofy uncles who just so happen to be highly skilled cleft surgeons. From the front desk to the surgeons, they’re all incredibly personable. They remember our names and our story. They don’t leave you hanging. They check in regularly even between appointments and surgeries. They don’t just provide care. They actually care.

    - Kross R.

  • We cannot say enough amazing things about the amazing team that has been built within Midwest Cleft and Craniofacial Specialists. It truly is a TEAM of people who have come together to best help support families in one of the..."

    - Briggs F.

    We cannot say enough amazing things about the amazing team that has been built within Midwest Cleft and Craniofacial Specialists. It truly is a TEAM of people who have come together to best help support families in one of the scariest/unknown times of their lives and continue to be a part of our lives even after the “hard part”. It is truly amazing to me to think that Dr. Christopher, Dr. Weiss, and Rachel our team SLP have all been with us essentially since Briggs’ birthday three years ago! Feeding a baby with PRS and a cleft palate is not an easy feat and Rachel and the NICU SLP’s worked with us teaching and learning alongside us as we figured out the best feeding system, positions, etc. with Briggs. Now as he is older they have helped monitor and guide his Speech and Language development and helped advocate for him as we transition to an Early Childhood Education Program.

    - Briggs F.

  • Our overall experience with the Midwest Cleft & Craniofacial Specialists team as being like family. They truly make you feel understood and involved in all aspects of the team and care. I couldn’t believe it when Dr. Weiss handed me..."

    - Rayne

    Our overall experience with the Midwest Cleft & Craniofacial Specialists team as being like family. They truly make you feel understood and involved in all aspects of the team and care. I couldn’t believe it when Dr. Weiss handed me his personal phone number. He was contacting me consistently after her surgery and made sure she was doing well. He checks in with us consistently and has even attended her Elementary Schools Career Day and provided so much insightful information about what he does to so many students. It is truly like being part of a family. You can see the passion he puts into his career and how much it shines. I couldn’t imagine my daughter having any other surgeon at this point.

    - Rayne

Compassionate Care for Complex Needs

Helping patients and families find trusted care with confidence and support.

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