Just below your ears, your lower jaw (mandible) connects to your skull’s temporal bone, forming joints. Called temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, they allow the mandible to open and close the mouth, and to move from side to side. A small disc between the bones cushions each joint. Because we use our mouths for breathing, eating, and speaking, the TMJs get quite a workout every day.
Some patients develop dysfunction of the TMJs, and in today’s blog you’ll learn what causes TMJ dysfunction (TMD) and how the dentists at Signature Smile Arts of Homewood treat the condition. TMD can cause mild to intense pain, but treatment may be as simple as wearing a mouthguard while sleeping or getting Botox injections to relieve facial pain.
Need a dentist who treats TMJ dysfunction? Connect with us online for a virtual appointment, schedule an in-person visit online, or call us at (708) 799-5353.
Causes of TMJ Dysfunction
There are three primary causes of TMD, though each patient is unique. They are:
- Malocclusion: Upper and lower teeth should fit together comfortably when the mouth is closed. Occlusion refers to this fit. Malocclusion means that the teeth do not fit together properly when the mouth is closed. Dental misalignment stems from either natural development that requires correction or excessive teeth grinding, called bruxism, which usually occurs while sleeping. Braces can correct dental misalignment, but dental wear often requires “equilibration” with dental crowns. Correcting occlusion will restore a comfortable position for closed jaws, reducing stress on the TMJs. Ultimately, after treatment, TMD symptoms should subside.
- Joint/Muscle Issues: When the muscles and tendons around the TMJs have to work hard all day and night to allow jaw function, they become strained. This can result in an imbalance of muscles, leading to weakness. Injury to the TMJs, disc displacement, and arthritis of the temporomandibular joints also lead to TMD.
- Lifestyle or Systemic Factors: Many people clench their jaw when irritated or stressed, leading to overworked jaw muscles. Hormonal shifts, connective tissue disorders, and even bad posture can stress jaw muscles, as well. Habits like chewing on pen caps, nails, and pencils, or chewing gum all day also strain the jaw muscles.
Treatment Options for TMD
Though rare, for some patients, the only option is oral surgery. Issues like significant joint damage, structural imperfections, trauma, or tumors make surgery the only viable solution.
Usually, however, our dentists like to recommend botox injections in jaw and facial muscles, wearing an oral splint while sleeping (nightguard), or both to alleviate symptoms. Equilibration with crowns or wearing braces are sometimes good options to permanently correct malocclusion.
Botox injections in the muscles that support the TMJs will relax muscles for three or four months. This alleviates clenching and grinding of teeth at night, as well as daytime tension of the muscles. Expect results to begin within a few days of treatment and to peak at two to four weeks. After the effects of Botox wear off, simply visit Signature Smile Arts of Homewood for another round of injections.
An oral splint keeps upper and lower teeth from contacting each other during the night, eliminating the ability to clench and grind teeth. In some cases, wearing a nightguard retrains jaw muscles, so they find a true resting position in which they can relax.
Equilibration involves building up worn molars with crowns to restore proper occlusion. Orthodontic treatment is sometimes prescribed for malocclusion.
Oftentimes, we suggest a combination of these therapies for lasting results.
Stop TMJ Pain Today!
If you’re ready to live free from chronic jaw pain, schedule a consultation with one of our gentle, compassionate dentists today. You can schedule an initial consultation in person or virtually, or give us a call at (708) 799-5353. We will help you establish comfortable oral function that’s sure to cause you to smile more often!
