Up to 10 million people in America may suffer from disorders of the temporomandibular joint. Known as TMJ or TMD, symptoms of this problem with the joint that connects your jaw to the skull may range from annoying to excruciating. So what exactly causes TMJ? The leading causes include teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, arthritis, a misaligned bite, and a derangement of the joint. Fortunately, TMJ can be treated non-surgically in most cases. Here’s everything to know about what causes TMJ, and how orthodontists manage this condition.
TMJ May Be Caused by a Bite Issue
When your upper and lower jaw is misaligned (malocclusion) you may experience pain in the jaw joint. Oftentimes, orthodontic treatment with either traditional braces or Invisalign, which corrects an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite, is all that is needed to alleviate symptoms of TMJ. For severe malocclusions, jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be necessary. If you require surgery, your orthodontist will work collaboratively with an experienced oral surgeon to ensure a successful outcome.
TMJ is Caused By Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching
Individuals who grind their teeth or clench their jaws are susceptible to developing a problem with the jaw joint, known as myofascial pain. This pain stems from excessive pressure t on the muscles around the joint.
Fortunately, your orthodontist can treat TMJ caused by grinding and clenching with a custom night guard (oral appliance). Worn while you sleep, night guards protect not only the joint from strain but also prevent the wearing down of teeth due to grinding and clenching.
Derangement of the Jaw Joint Causes TMJ
If there is a dislocation of the disc in the jaw, the cause of your TMJ disorder will be diagnosed as “internal derangement of the joint.” This dislocation most often occurs as the result of some kind of trauma, such as a direct hit to the face or jaw. TMJ caused by derangement of the joint may be treated with medications, soft food diets, injections, and in some cases, surgery.
Arthritis Can Cause TMJ
Arthritis is swelling and pain in the joints, and it can affect the temporomandibular joint, causing pain in the TMJ. If arthritis is found to be the cause of TMJ, treatments often include anti-inflammatory medications, icing the jaw, custom oral appliances, and in some cases injections of steroids.
TMJ Symptoms May Be Managed With Lifestyle Modifications
There is good news for people who seem to develop a problem with their TMJ out of the blue. Most cases of TMJ can be treated with lifestyle modifications and noninvasive treatments. Surgery is a last resort and rarely required.
If you’ve recently developed symptoms of TMJ such as a clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth or chew, or mild pain in the joint, you may find relief from these therapies at home:
- Switching to a soft food diet temporarily
- Practicing meditation or other relaxation techniques to reduce stress
- Icing the jaw joint
- Taking an over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol or Advil
If your symptoms persist, it’s time to get help. Talk with your orthodontist about your symptoms.
Orthodontic Treatment for TMJ in Conover, NC
Dr. Andrew Hass has decades of experience in treating symptoms of TMJ and TMD. Orthodontics, custom oral appliances, and other conservative treatments are all that are necessary for most people to get relief from TMJ. In the unlikely case that your pain is due to a more significant and complex problem, Dr. Hass will work with a highly experienced oral surgeon to ensure a successful surgical outcome. To book an appointment at Hass Family Orthodontics, call 828-464-5300 or send us a message.