Practice Limited to Orthodontics
and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Questions on TMJ Dysfunction
What is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joints. These are the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull. TMJ Dysfunction is a common term used to describe the group of symptoms that result when the jaws, teeth, and muscles fail to work together in harmony because the jaw joints are out of place.
What are the symptoms?
TMJ Dysfunction is often obvious because the patient suffers from clicking or popping jaw joints, pain in or around the jaw joints, locking of the jaw, or limited opening of the mouth. Less obvious symptoms may be headaches, pain in the neck and shoulders, earaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and toothaches. These symptoms are usually caused by muscle spasms that occur when the muscles that are attached to the jaw bones and jaw joints are strained by an unstable bite.
What may cause TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ Dysfunction may be aggravated by an unstable bite (teeth that are not positioned properly on the jawbone), or by accidents involving a blow to the mouth or head, whiplash, or a combination of these factors. Each jaw joint is a ball and socket joint. When functioning properly, the ball and socket do not actually touch because of a thin disc of cartilage between them acting as a cushion. If the bite is not right, the joint is pulled out of alignment. Mild displacement causes a clicking or popping sound. More severe displacements can be very painful. If allowed to continue, the TMJ Dysfunction may worsen. Treated in early stages, the prognosis for return to normal function is good.
Can TMD cause headaches?
Frequent "migraine" type headaches can be a symptom of TMJ Dysfunction (TMD). A misalignment of the upper and lower jaws may cause unbalanced pressure on the temporomandibular joints. Unequal strain on the jaw muscles can cause chronic pain, headaches, and pain in your neck and shoulders.
What treatments will Dr. Brown use?
Since the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles can all be involved, treatment will involve several phases. The first goal is to relieve the muscle spasm and pain. This requires physical therapy and special exercises. A temporary device (known as an orthotic or "splint") is fabricated to be worn over the teeth until the bite is stabilized. We place special emphasis on minimizing the visibility of all appliances! Permanent correction may involve crowns, orthodontics, and selective re-shaping of the teeth. If the jaw itself is damaged, it must be treated specifically. Though infrequent, surgery is sometimes required to correct a damaged joint.
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Copyright © 2001 Donald Brown
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joints. These are the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull. TMJ Dysfunction is a common term used to describe the group of symptoms that result when the jaws, teeth, and muscles fail to work together in harmony because the jaw joints are out of place.