We all have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on either side of the face. The complex facial joints connect the jawbone to the skull and are capable of both sliding and hinge motions. The TMJ works in concert with other parts of your anatomy, including the jawbones, facial and neck muscles, tendons, and teeth. This larger system allows us to do a number of different things, such as chew, open and close the mouth, speak, breathe, swallow, suck, and make a variety of facial expressions. While patients sometimes call problems in the joint and surrounding structures TMJ, TMJ is an acronym for the joint itself. TMJ issues are technically referred to as a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD), or temporomandibular dysfunction.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
The following are the most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction or TMD:
Pain and tenderness in the jaw, joints, and/or face
Aching in and/or around your ear
Difficulty or pain when chewing
Headaches
Stiff or aching neck
Locking of the joint, making it hard to open and close the mouth all of the way
Popping or clicking noises when opening or closing the mouth (note: popping or clicking without pain doesn’t usually require treatment)
What Causes TMJ Pain and Dysfunction?
TMJ disorder may be the result of:
A misaligned bite (the upper and lower teeth not coming together properly)
Arthritis in the joint
Injury or trauma
Genetics
Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism (not everyone who grinds their teeth will develop TMJ dysfunction)
Who Treats TMJ Disorder?
An orthodontist is a good place to start when it comes to finding relief from TMJ pain and dysfunction. After dental school, orthodontists like Dr. Moran and Dr. White complete two to three years of additional specialty training learning the intricacies of aligning the teeth and jaw. They also gain a deep understanding of the oral and facial structures and the biomechanics of the entire chewing system, including your TMJ.
As a Denver-area TMJ specialist, bite correction expert, and board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Moran has taken her expertise a step further. In addition to her residencies, she also completed extensive post-graduate training in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ issues.
At Foundations Orthodontics, Dr. Moran, Dr. White, and our team use cutting-edge diagnostic technology to determine the underlying cause of your TMJ dysfunction. We also take a holistic approach and consider the entire craniofacial structure, which includes your teeth, face, jaw joints, and chewing muscles, to create personalized TMJ treatment plans for the long-term health and stability of the chewing system. The outcome is a functional bite, freedom from pain, and, of course, a fantastic smile.
