The “Temporomandibular Joint,” more commonly referred to as the “jaw joint,” assists in the basic opening and closing movements of the jaw. Unfortunately, this joint is a common area for recurring pain. Although conventional wisdom suggests that “popping” sounds in the jaw indicates a TMJ dysfunction, this is not always true. Many times, your jaw is functioning properly even if a “popping” sound is present when chewing or talking.
We offer a TMJ exam that evaluates the joint tissue in the “hinge” of the jaw. Possible problems include swelling, deterioration of the joint tissue or damaged joint tissue (which cushions the jaw bones during the opening and closing movement of the mouth). Common pain relievers and cold compresses can provide temporary relief for most cases of TMJ.
Because of their extra study in the function of jaws, orthodontists are a perfect choice for treating jaw pain. We may recommend one or many types of treatment to combat TMJ dysfunction, including but not limited to a biteplane or night guard, a “jaw-relaxing appliance” that allows the muscles in your temporomandibular joint to relax, reducing the chance of inflammation and pain. Jaw muscles continually adapt to shifting teeth so that we can chew properly, so in many cases, jaw pain can also be relieved by shifting the teeth into optimal position, thereby realigning the jaw muscles into their proper places.