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What is TMJ Disorder?
The TMJ is the joint that connects your skull's temporal bones (located just below your temple, in front of your ear) to your jaw. This hinge helps you do everything from moving your jaw to eating, speaking and even breathing.
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) occur when there is an issue with your jaw and facial muscles. You'll start to experience pain in the area and if the disorder progresses to a severe state, you may be unable to move the joint.
Types of TMJ Disorder
There are actually three main types of TMJ disorders:
Joint Degenerative Disorders
Most commonly known as osteoarthritis, this joint degenerative disorder happens when cartilage holding the round ends of the two bones in your jaw together breaks or wears away.
Cartilage absorbs shocks during movement, and allows your bones to glide easily over each other. When the cartilage erodes, pain and swelling will occur, and you may not be able to move your jaw.
Muscle Disorders
Also referred to as myofascial pain, muscle disorders involve pain and discomfort in all the muscles controlling the function of your jaw. You may also experience pain in your jaw muscles, shoulders and neck.
Joint Derangement Disorders
A soft, small disc located between the temporal bone and the condyle makes the opening and closing of the jaw smooth and easy. This disc is also important as it absorbs shocks to the jaw joint that happen during movement.
When an individual has a joint derangement disorder, the inner workings of the jaw are disrupted or unbalanced due to a dislocated disc or damaged bone.
This displaced disc causes internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. Currently, there is no surgical solution to this problem.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
With every type of TMJ Disorder, you’ll likely experience pain in your jaw and face. The area around your ears may hurt, and you’ll feel an ache when you open your mouth to eat or talk.
Other symptoms may include:
- Facial bruising or swelling
- Problems opening, closing or clenching your jaw
- Headaches, dizziness or pain in your temples
- Grinding, clicking or popping sounds when you open your jaw
- Additional pain in your neck and/or shoulders
When You Should See an Orthodontist for TMJ Treatment
If at-home remedies such as avoiding stress, chewing gum, gently massaging your neck and jaw muscles, trying over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) have not proven effective, you should make an appointment with your orthodontist.
Your orthodontist will review your dental history, perform a thorough examination of your bite and jaw, and take X-rays to assess before providing an official diagnosis of TMJ Disorder. The treatment he or she recommends may include:
- TMJ therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Oral Surgery
- Dental splints
- Prescription medications
If your TMJ disorder is caused by bite issues, strengthening your teeth and aligning your jaw using braces may be the treatment option for you. With orthodontic treatment, we can change the alignment of your teeth relative to each other on both of your jaws to alleviate pain. Braces can also help realign teeth to alleviate problems due to jaw clenching and grinding.
Your orthodontist can help you manage your TMJ Disorder with a combination of home remedies and attentive dental care.