TMJ: Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Post Date: July 26, 2024

Author Name: Sydney Stoker, Twin Smiles Orthodontics

First, let’s start with some terms. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint (tem-puh-roe-man-DIB-u-lur). We all have one, so from a doctor’s perspective if you come in and say you have TMJ, on the other side we’re thinking “yes, so do we.” It’s like coming in and saying you have a knee joint. TMD, or temporomandibular disorders is a broad term for anything in regards to pain or dysfunction for the joint by your ear.

The TMJ is a ball and socket joint, just like your elbow, shoulder, or knee, which means it can move in many different planes of space. Your lower jaw is the only jaw that moves–the upper jaw does not move. The TMJ is one of the most complicated joints in your body. It is attached to your mouth which allows us to breathe, eat, and speak, so we’re using it all day long, all the time.

TMJ Symptoms

Below are some common TMJ symptoms that may indicate you should see a specialist:

Joint has ever locked open where you can’t close your mouth (open lock)
Or the opposite, where you can’t open your mouth (closed lock)
Limited opening of the jaw, can’t open as wide as you used to be able to
Constant neck, back, or jaw pain
Pain or discomfort around ear
Headaches or migraines

Clicking in the Joint

Some people worry if they hear clicking in the jaw. But if there’s no pain associated with the mild popping or clicking, it may not be a problem, as many people hear clicking. To be safe though, you can still go see a specialist to make sure everything’s okay.

Getting A Proper Diagnosis

If you think you have the above TMJ symptoms, it is important to get a thorough diagnosis by a specialist.

Deciphering where the actual problem is can be very complicated. It could take a team of specialists including a dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon, etc. Some people also choose to see a sleep specialist, physical therapist or chiropractor. You may see several specialists before deciding what the right treatment is for you.

TMJ problems could be related to your teeth and bite, pain in muscles that move your lower jaw, or the actual inner workings of the joint itself. Sometimes TMD symptoms could be related to your bite and how your teeth are fitting together, so visiting an orthodontist and getting your teeth in the right place could help for long-term fit and wear on your teeth. An orthodontist can also make a further referral to a specialist if you need surgery or another treatment.

Treatment for TMD

If your TMJ is a muscular problem, similar to if your elbow is inflamed from overuse in sports, you can give it some rest. Maybe you ate something really chewy and overworked it, so you can relax by eating soft foods and trying a warm or cold compress and trying Ibuprofen to help with the swelling. If after a couple weeks the pain persists, you may want to visit a specialist.

We’d love to see you at Twin Smiles Orthodontics in Palo Alto for TMJ treatment. We’d be happy to do a thorough evaluation and make recommendations, whether it’s working with you to align your teeth and bite potentially through Invisalign or braces, or referring you to another TMJ specialist in Palo Alto or the Bay Area. We offer free consultations, schedule an appointment on our website and we hope to bring you some TMJ relief soon!