Open UP: A TMJ Discussion

Dr. Pamela Marzban and Dr. Mac Lee
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Co-Hosts, Open Up: A TMJ Discussion Dr. Pam Marzban and Dr. Mac Lee team up to bring clarity to one of the most misunderstood pain conditions in healthcare: TMD. Together, they combine more than seven decades of clinical experience, teaching, research, and patient advocacy. Dr. Pam Marzban is a nationally recognized neuromuscular dentist, educator, and lecturer known for her clear, practical explanations and her commitment to patient-centered care. Her work in craniofacial development, airway health, and TMJ biomechanics brings a modern, comprehensive view of TMD to the profession. Dr. Mac Lee practiced dentistry for 50 years and has dedicated his career to helping patients and professionals understand the true mechanical causes of TMD. His work focuses on the compressed condyle, the displaced disc, and the “TMJ Trifecta” that drives most chronic jaw and headache pain. He is the author of The TMJ Trifecta and Life-Robbing Pain: TMD. On their podcast, Open Up: A TMJ Discussion, they break down complex topics in simple terms, share real cases, interview experts, and guide listeners toward better understanding, better questions, and better outcomes. Their goal is straightforward: Help people finally understand why they hurt and help dentists learn what to do about it.

  1. 4d ago

    The Hidden Cause of TMJ May Start in Infancy (Ep 45)

    In this episode of Open Up: A TMJ Discussion, Dr. Pamela Marzban and Dr. Mac Lee sit down with holistic dentist Dr. Sameera Meyer to discuss the often-overlooked impact of tongue ties and lip ties on infant health. They reveal the warning signs parents should never ignore, including painful nursing, excessive gas, reflux-like symptoms, poor sleep, feeding difficulties, and constant crying. Dr. Meyer explains why tongue tie treatment is about much more than a simple procedure and why successful outcomes require a team approach involving lactation consultants, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other trained specialists. You'll also learn:
✔️ How tongue ties affect breathing, sleep, feeding, and jaw development
✔️ Why many babies go undiagnosed
✔️ The biggest misconceptions about tongue tie releases
✔️ Why CO2 laser technology has become the standard of care
✔️ How early intervention may help prevent future airway, sleep, and developmental issues If you're a parent, grandparent, healthcare provider, or anyone caring for infants, this episode may change the way you think about what's considered "normal" in a baby's development. 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:

    30 min

  2. May 19

    The Jaw-Sleep Connection Explained (Ep 44)

    In this episode of Open Up: A TMJ Discussion, Dr. Pamela Marzban sits down with Mac for a powerful conversation about the connection between breathing, sleep, airway health, and overall wellness. Together, they explore how mouth breathing, nasal obstruction, jaw position, inflammation, and even anxiety can contribute to sleep issues and long-term health concerns. Dr. Marzban explains why identifying the root cause of breathing problems matters, discusses alternatives to CPAP therapy, including oral appliances and sublingual immunotherapy, and shares why proper nasal breathing is essential for both children and adults. Mac also reflects on aging, independence, and the importance of maintaining health and mobility throughout life. This episode highlights how oxygen, sleep quality, and airway health affect nearly every aspect of well-being. If you’ve ever struggled with snoring, poor sleep, fatigue, mouth breathing, or sleep apnea or want to better understand the airway-health connection, this episode is for you. 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:

    16 min

  3. May 6

    TMJ Isn’t Just Jaw Pain: The Truth About TMD, Breathing & Whole-Body Health (Ep 43)

    In this episode of Open Up: A TMJ Discussion, Pamela and Mac take a deeper look into the reality of TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) and why a quick scroll or surface-level understanding just isn’t enough. They share real experiences from the clinic, including the emotional weight of treating patients living with chronic pain and the frustration of seeing cases that could have been addressed earlier, especially in children. This conversation goes beyond the jaw, exploring how TMJ disorders are closely connected to breathing, sleep, and overall health. Pamela and Mac also break down why TMD is still widely misunderstood in both medicine and dentistry, and what patients need to do to truly advocate for their health. From early signs like mouth breathing and crooked teeth to the importance of comprehensive diagnostics like CBCT, this episode is a call to take your health seriously and study it, not just skim it. If you or someone you know is struggling with TMJ symptoms, this episode is a must-listen. 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:

    13 min

  4. Apr 14

    Waking Up With Headaches? Here’s Why (Ep 42)

    Waking up with headaches is not normal and it may be a sign your body is struggling to breathe during sleep. In this episode of Open Up: A TMJ Discussion, Dr. Pamela Marzban and Mac Lee explain the connection between morning headaches, sleep apnea, airway obstruction, teeth grinding, and TMJ dysfunction. Learn why airway issues can trigger stress responses throughout the night, how poor oxygenation impacts your muscles and brain, and why proper diagnosis requires more than just guessing.
 They also discuss: * Why morning headaches should never be ignored * The role of sleep studies and CBCT imaging * How oral appliances can help when properly designed * Why over-the-counter sleep appliances can be risky * If you wake up with headaches, jaw pain, or fatigue, this episode may help you uncover the root cause. 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:

    21 min

  5. Mar 26

    TMJ Pain Is NOT Just in Your Head | Guest: Dr. Priya Mistry (Ep 41)

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Priya Mistry, a leading TMJ specialist based near Portland, to explore a fresh, patient-centered approach to treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Dr. Mistry shares how she built a thriving practice by combining clinical expertise with the power of social media—reaching patients around the world through educational YouTube content and online consultations. We dive into her comprehensive diagnostic process, from detailed patient histories to hands-on physical exams and advanced imaging, and discuss how her approach differs from traditional dentistry, where TMJ issues are often overlooked. Dr. Mistry also challenges common misconceptions, explaining why TMD is primarily structural rather than purely stress- or psychologically-driven. The conversation expands into the real-world challenges patients face—misdiagnoses, fragmented care across specialties, and difficulty finding the right provider. We also highlight the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and how Dr. Mistry is working to educate other dentists through hands-on courses and digital platforms. Plus, we explore powerful patient transformation stories, the role of trust in chronic pain care, and how better education—both for patients and providers—can dramatically improve outcomes. Whether you’re a patient searching for answers or a clinician looking to deepen your understanding of TMD, this episode offers practical insights, hope, and a new perspective on treating chronic jaw pain. 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/QB0WsMOryXA

    33 min

  6. Mar 17

    DIY TMJ Relief: What Actually Helps and What Doesn't (EP 40)

    In this milestone episode, Pamela and Mac celebrate their 40th episode and 2-year podcast anniversary with a deep dive into do-it-yourself TMJ relief. They break down the three key components of TMJ disorders—joint, muscle, and psychology—and share practical, at-home strategies to help manage jaw pain, tension, and headaches. From muscle relaxation techniques and gentle jaw exercises to joint decompression and breathing methods like the 2-2-2 technique, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can try today. They also discuss common mistakes people make when attempting self-treatment and why some individuals experience severe symptoms while others don’t, even with similar bite issues. But there’s a catch: while DIY approaches can provide temporary relief, Pamela and Mac emphasize that they don’t fix the root cause. They explore how underlying bite alignment, airway issues, and stress all play a role—and why professional care is essential for long-term solutions. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming next, including an upcoming interview with Priya, a social media-savvy dentist, and how the team is shaping future episodes to stay engaging, practical, and patient-focused. Whether you’re dealing with jaw pain, teeth grinding, or waking up with headaches, this episode will help you better understand your symptoms—and what to do about them. 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:

    20 min

  7. Mar 5

    TMJ, Facial Pain, and the Missing Link in Dentistry (Ep 39)

    In this episode of Open Up: A TMJ Discussion, Dr. Pamela Marzban and Dr. Mac Lee sit down with Dr. Bob Mier, former president of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) and one of the most respected voices in TMJ and facial pain. Dr. Mier shares his journey from general dentistry to becoming an oral facial pain specialist, an evolution shaped by his own struggles with TMJ dysfunction and years of advanced training in neurology, psychology, and pain science. Together, they tackle some of the most controversial and misunderstood topics in TMJ care, including the role of occlusion, appliance therapy, and why technology and measurements often matter less than the provider-patient relationship. The conversation highlights a powerful message: success in treating chronic pain isn’t about one technique or philosophy, it’s about listening, empathy, and collaboration. They also discuss the importance of the oral facial pain specialty, recognized by the ADA in 2020, and why dentistry and medicine must work together to better support patients suffering from TMJ and chronic facial pain. Most importantly, this episode gives patients practical advice on how to identify the right provider and the red flags to avoid when seeking treatment. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why TMJ pain is more complex than just your bite * The difference between TMD dysfunction and pain * Why conservative, reversible treatments should come first * How communication and empathy impact treatment success * Red flags patients should watch for when seeking TMJ care * Why collaboration across dentistry and medicine is essential for the future of pain treatment 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:

    55 min

  8. Feb 18

    The Silent Signs of TMJ in Teenagers (Ep 38)

    In this episode, Dr. Pamela Marzban and Dr. Mac Lee share why jaw clicking, teeth grinding, headaches, and chronic fatigue in children are often early warning signs of deeper airway and jaw development issues. They discuss a real case of a 16-year-old athlete diagnosed with airway constriction and sleep apnea, highlighting the importance of early intervention and how treatments like oral appliances, myofunctional therapy, and growth guidance can help prevent lifelong pain and dysfunction. In this episode, parents will learn: ✔ Why grinding and jaw clicking should never be ignored ✔ The connection between airway health, fatigue, and TMJ ✔ How early treatment can prevent chronic pain later in life ✔ What to look for when choosing the right provider for your child Early diagnosis can transform your child’s future health and prevent years of unnecessary suffering. 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=RFS12tfdBM8

    23 min
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About

Co-Hosts, Open Up: A TMJ Discussion Dr. Pam Marzban and Dr. Mac Lee team up to bring clarity to one of the most misunderstood pain conditions in healthcare: TMD. Together, they combine more than seven decades of clinical experience, teaching, research, and patient advocacy. Dr. Pam Marzban is a nationally recognized neuromuscular dentist, educator, and lecturer known for her clear, practical explanations and her commitment to patient-centered care. Her work in craniofacial development, airway health, and TMJ biomechanics brings a modern, comprehensive view of TMD to the profession. Dr. Mac Lee practiced dentistry for 50 years and has dedicated his career to helping patients and professionals understand the true mechanical causes of TMD. His work focuses on the compressed condyle, the displaced disc, and the “TMJ Trifecta” that drives most chronic jaw and headache pain. He is the author of The TMJ Trifecta and Life-Robbing Pain: TMD. On their podcast, Open Up: A TMJ Discussion, they break down complex topics in simple terms, share real cases, interview experts, and guide listeners toward better understanding, better questions, and better outcomes. Their goal is straightforward: Help people finally understand why they hurt and help dentists learn what to do about it.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Pamela Marzban and Dr. Mac Lee
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45

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