Open UP: A TMJ Discussion

In this episode of Open UP: A TMD Discussion, Dr. Marzban and Dr. Lee sit down with myofunctional therapist Admarys to unpack the critical role muscle function plays in oral health, airway development, and long-term stability. From tongue posture and breathing patterns to crooked teeth, orthodontic relapse, and jaw pain, this conversation explores how poor oral muscle habits can impact both children and adults.

They break down what myofunctional therapy really is, how tongue-tie releases work, why post-release exercises matter, and when intervention is truly necessary. The episode also highlights the importance of early evaluation, proper diagnosis, and a multidisciplinary approach involving dentists, hygienists, doctors, and myofunctional therapists to prevent craniofacial issues, TMD, and sleep-disordered breathing before they worsen.

Educational, eye-opening, and patient-focused, this episode challenges traditional orthodontic thinking and emphasizes treating the function, not just the teeth.

Book and Podcast Info:

📚 Books by Dr. Mac Lee and Dr. Pam Marzban:

Life-Robbing Pain: TMD by Dr. Mac Lee

The TMJ Trifecta: Solving Your Pain Puzzle by Dr. Mac Lee

Craniofacial Development by Dr. Pamela Marzban

🎧 Podcast Video: https://youtu.be/ylmzjs3nNtY?si=9Jzw5JW5J7b3WaIR

In this episode, Pamela and Mac dig into a topic that so many TMJ patients are searching for online: what does “cured” actually mean? They walk through why the word is so complicated in medicine, how it applies to TMJ, and why relief — not perfection — is what most people really want.

The conversation weaves through everything from sending simple tech instructions to patients, to the psychology of people seeking quick fixes online, to a breakdown of common TMJ treatments. Pamela and Mac talk honestly about what works, what only masks symptoms, and why finding a dentist who understands true physiologic balance is key.

They also map out an upcoming video snippet on easy TMJ pain-relief tips and discuss the role of myofunctional therapy — what it is, why it matters, and why it’s essential before considering something like a tongue-tie release. Listener spoiler: their next guest is Pamela’s own myofunctional therapist, Anna Marisa.

Topics covered:

    •    Why defining a “TMJ cure” is so complex

    •    The difference between symptom relief and structural correction

    •    What patients think they want vs. what they actually need

    •    Why only a small percentage of dentists truly understand TMJ

    •    Temporary fixes vs. long-term functional solutions

    •    TMJ pain-relief tips for at-home management

    •    What a myofunctional therapist does and why it matters

Book and Podcast Info:

📚 Books by Dr. Mac Lee and Dr. Pam Marzban: 

Life-Robbing Pain: TMD by Dr. Mac Lee

The TMJ Trifecta: Solving Your Pain Puzzle by Dr. Mac Lee

Craniofacial Development by Dr. Pamela Marzban

🎧 Podcast Video: https://youtu.be/zCZfK6DhtMA?si=yXSazKdAX_whzxyx

#TMJ #TMJPain #TMD #JawPain #TMJRelief #OralHealth #DentalWellness #FacialPain #NasalBreathing #MouthBreathing #OralPosture #FunctionalBreathing #AirwayHealth #PostureMatters #ChronicPain #PainRelief #StressRelief #HealingJourney #SelfAwareness #HolisticDentistry #DrMacLee #DrPamMarzban #LifeRobbingPain #TheTMJTrifecta #CraniofacialDevelopment #FunctionalMedicine

In this episode, Pamela and Mac dive deep into the causes and relief strategies for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain, a condition that affects millions but is often misunderstood. They explore the powerful connection between oral posture, breathing habits, and chronic pain, breaking down practical ways to ease discomfort naturally.

You’ll learn:

- How proper oral posture can prevent TMJ flare-ups

- Simple daily techniques to relax the jaw and reduce tension

- The surprising link between mouth breathing, stress, and chronic pain

- Why challenging outdated medical norms can lead to breakthroughs in patient care

Pamela also shares her personal journey toward better nasal breathing and her upcoming tonsil evaluation, a reminder that healing often begins with awareness.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional or someone struggling with jaw pain, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you find lasting relief.

Book and Podcast Info:

📚 Books by Dr. Mac Lee and Dr. Pam Marzban:

Life-Robbing Pain: TMD by Dr. Mac Lee

The TMJ Trifecta: Solving Your Pain Puzzle by Dr. Mac Lee

Craniofacial Development by Dr. Pamela Marzban

🎧 Podcast Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3OL3mSsqGA

#TMJ #TMJPain #TMD #JawPain #TMJRelief #OralHealth #DentalWellness #FacialPain #NasalBreathing #MouthBreathing #OralPosture #FunctionalBreathing #AirwayHealth #PostureMatters #ChronicPain #PainRelief #StressRelief #HealingJourney #SelfAwareness #HolisticDentistry #DrMacLee #DrPamMarzban #LifeRobbingPain #TheTMJTrifecta #CraniofacialDevelopment #FunctionalMedicine

In this episode, we dive deep into the complex world of tongue ties, their impact on craniofacial development, and the rising concerns over overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Joined by fascia therapy specialist Dana Starling, along with co-hosts Mac and Pamela, we explore how tongue ties affect everything from breathing and posture to TMJ disorders and chronic pain.

The discussion covers:

The history and evolution of tongue tie procedures

Multidisciplinary approaches to diagnosis and treatment

How fascia, scoliosis, and facial development are interconnected

Why collaboration across specialties is essential for patient outcomes

Real stories from treating chronic pain and infant development issues

Whether you're a healthcare provider, parent, or curious professional, this episode offers a balanced, evidence-informed look at one of the most debated topics in functional medicine and dentistry.

Book and Podcast Info:

📚 Books by Dr. Mac Lee and Dr. Pam Marzban:

Life-Robbing Pain: TMD by Dr. Mac Lee

The TMJ Trifecta: Solving Your Pain Puzzle by Dr. Mac Lee

Craniofacial Development by Dr. Pamela Marzban

🎧 Podcast Video: https://youtu.be/uBr54aZ7Nes?si=KcGfOHblVrw80sfh

#TongueTie #FasciaTherapy #ChronicPain #CraniofacialDevelopment #MyofunctionalTherapy #TMJ #Scoliosis #AirwayHealth #PediatricCare #FunctionalMedicine #HolisticHealth #MultidisciplinaryCare #HealthPodcast

Early Release Matters for Feeding, Breathing & Jaw Growth. Tongue-tie in infants is NOT just about breastfeeding struggles, it shapes how a child’s face, jaws, airway, and posture develop for life.

In this episode, Dr. Pam Marzban and Dr. Mac Lee tackle misinformation and explain:

What tongue-tie really is (tip tie vs. mid-belly tie)

How it impacts feeding, weight gain, sleep, and digestion

Why untreated ties lead to poor jaw growth, crooked teeth, and airway issues

The dangers of “they’ll grow out of it” advice

Why proper diagnosis and release (frenectomy) can transform a baby’s future health

This is vital for parents, pediatricians, lactation consultants, ENTs, and dentists. Early recognition can prevent a lifetime of pain, TMJ problems, and sleep apnea.

👉 Please share this with new parents and caregivers, education is the best protection.

Book and Podcast Info:

📚 Books by Dr. Mac Lee and Dr. Pam Marzban:

Life-Robbing Pain: TMD by Dr. Mac Lee

The TMJ Trifecta: Solving Your Pain Puzzle by Dr. Mac Lee

Craniofacial Development by Dr. Pamela Marzban

🎧 Podcast Video: https://youtu.be/g-1mvloPRgE?si=PUPgDk2_QMK-Pclk

#Infanttonguetie #frenectomy #tonguetierelease #breastfeedingproblems #babycoliccauses #airwaydevelopment #jawgrowth #TMJdisorderprevention #pediatricENT #lactationconsultant #infantfeedingissues #sleepapneainchildren #InfantHealth #Breastfeeding #TMJ #AirwayHealth #JawDevelopment #SleepApnea #PediatricDentistry #ParentingTips

Mouth breathing is detrimental to facial development and to overall health!?

·       Breathing is essential to life and the body is going to do

whatever it can to get oxygen.

·       Humans are supposed to breathe through their nose for many

reasons which are discussed in this podcas

·       The nose cleans the air.

·       Mouth breathing is usually due to nasal constriction.

·       If parents, dentists, or pediatricians do not detect mouth

breathing, the child may not develop correctly.

·       It’s under the radar because it is so common.

·       Our tongue develops the face by pushing on the palate, which

develops it correctly.

· Not having the tongue on the palate creates crooked teeth, a

recessed jaw, a narrow lower face, a vaulted palate, compressed jaw

joints, restricted airways, and other anatomical issues.

·       What to do for your child is discussed.

It is essential to listen to the entire podcast if you have children who are mouth breathers!

Book and Podcast Info:

📚 Books by Dr. Mac Lee and Dr. Pam Marzban:

Life-Robbing Pain: TMD by Dr. Mac Lee

The TMJ Trifecta: Solving Your Pain Puzzle by Dr. Mac Lee

Craniofacial Development by Dr. Pamela Marzban

🎧 Podcast Video: https://youtu.be/P4C269EHl8Y?si=8Mi8zgssfFke3NHy

#MouthBreathing #NasalBreathing #TMJHealth #FacialDevelopment #HealthyBreathing #OralHealth #PediatricDentistry #JawDevelopment #CraniofacialHealth #BreathingMatters #ChildHealth #DentalEducation #Orthodontics #BreathingAwareness #TonguePosture

Confused about nightguards, Botox, TMJ therapy, or surgery? In this episode, we break down each treatment option: what it is, how it works, and who it’s really for so you can make confident decisions about your care.

Book and Podcast Info:

📚 Books by Dr. Mac Lee and Dr. Pam Marzban:

Life-Robbing Pain: TMD by Dr. Mac Lee

The TMJ Trifecta: Solving Your Pain Puzzle by Dr. Mac Lee

Craniofacial Development by Dr. Pamela Marzban

🎧 Podcast Video: https://youtu.be/nAQ0T3vqk8M?si=AwX9IP1B0Jci5nwf

#TMD #TMJ #NeuromuscularDentistry #JawPain #OralHealth #PainManagement #PatientEducation #Podcast #HealthTips #TMJRelief

#TMJPodcast #FacialPain #KnowYourOptions #OpenUpTMJPodcast #BeautyBalanceBreath#DentalHealth #DrMacLee #DrPamMarzban

In this episode

In this episode of Open Up: A TMJ Discussion, Dr. Pam Marzban and Dr. Mac Lee tackle a topic that hits close to home for many TMD sufferers, the emotional weight of living with invisible pain. When symptoms don’t show up on traditional tests or are dismissed by healthcare providers, patients are often left questioning themselves. This episode is here to say: your pain is real, and it deserves to be heard.

Dr. Marzban and Dr. Lee dive into:

🔹 Why TMD pain is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed

🔹 The psychological toll of not being believed

🔹 How medical gaslighting can delay proper treatment

🔹 Steps patients can take to advocate for themselves

🔹 Why it’s crucial to find a provider who truly understands craniofacial pain

Dr. Lee shares moving stories from decades of experience, emphasizing the importance of validation, education, and being seen, not just as a set of symptoms, but as a whole person.

If you’ve ever been told, “It’s all in your head,” this episode will remind you: it is in your head but not in the way they meant.

Book and Podcast Info:

📚 Books by Dr. Mac Lee and Dr. Pam Marzban:

Life-Robbing Pain: TMD by Dr. Mac Lee

The TMJ Trifecta: Solving Your Pain Puzzle by Dr. Mac Lee

Craniofacial Development by Dr. Pamela Marzban

▶️ Podcast Video available on YouTube

#TMD #TMJ #NeuromuscularDentistry #HeadacheRelief #NeuromuscularDentistry #JawPain #TMJPain #PatientAdvocacy #OralHealth #PainManagement #PatientEducation #DifferentialDiagnosis #Podcast #HealthTips #ChronicPain #DentalHealth #DrMacLee #DrPamMarzban

In this episode, Dr. Mac Lee and Dr. Pam Marzban discuss one of the most challenging aspects of TMD treatment: determining whether symptoms are truly related to TMD or caused by something else. They explore the importance of differential diagnosis and share practical strategies for identifying when symptoms like headaches, vertigo, and tinnitus are linked to jaw dysfunction versus other medical conditions.

Dr. Lee shares insights from his book, "Life-Robbing Pain: TMD," emphasizing the value of simple, common-sense approaches to understanding TMD symptoms. He also discusses his upcoming book, designed to empower patients by guiding them through self-assessment techniques and helping them identify whether TMD might be the root cause of their pain.

They also touch on the importance of patient education, building trust, and finding the right neuromuscular dentist who truly understands TMD treatment. Plus, learn about Dr. Lee’s efforts to bridge the gap between different dental philosophies to create a more unified approach to TMD care.

Book and Podcast Info:

📚 Books by Dr. Mac Lee and Dr. Pam Marzban:

Life-Robbing Pain: TMD

Craniofacial Development by Dr. Pamela Marzban

🎧 Podcast: https://carekp.podbean.com/

#TMD #TMJ #NeuromuscularDentistry #HeadacheRelief #Vertigo #Tinnitus #JawPain #OralHealth #PainManagement #PatientEducation #FindTheRightDentist #DifferentialDiagnosis #Podcast #HealthTips #ChronicPain #DentalHealth #DrMacLee #DrPamMarzban