Pain in the Jaw Joint – Temporomandibular Joint

WHAT CAN CAUSE PAIN IN THE JAW JOINT?

The lower jaw is the only movable bone of the head, kept in place through the jaw joints and an intricate system of tendons and muscles. These complex joints are located in front of the ears and allow the lower jaw to move every time we eat, speak, yawn, etc. The technical name for the jaw joint is temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Different conditions can cause pain in the jaw joint, including trauma to teeth, jaws or joint, bad bite, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, mumps (viral infection) and tetanus (bacterial infection).

 

BITE ISSUES, TMJ DISORDER AND PAIN IN THE JAW JOINT

There is a close relationship between how the teeth fit together (the bite), chewing muscles and jaw joint. The majority of problems in the joint is related to bite problems. Most people have bite issues (called malocclusion), that lead to unbalanced force distribution when chewing and muscle tension, as the muscles have to work harder. If more stress is added, such as teeth grinding, emotional anxiety or injury, the system can collapse and develop overt pain in the joint, muscles or bones in the head, neck or spine.

The strain in the chewing muscles can spread to skull bones and sutures. The membranes that cover the brain and the spine can also be affected. As a result, vital structures such as nerves, arteries and soft tissues are compressed and cause pain, which can be associated with other symptoms such as jaw lock, clicking, difficulty opening the mouth, earache and others.

 

MEDICAL ORTHODONTICS CAN TREAT PAIN IN THE JAW JOINT

Since most cases of joint pain have an element of a bad bite, it is often necessary to reposition teeth and jaws to restore the system and relax the chewing muscles, improving pain.

The orthodontist needs to evaluate each case in order to make an appropriate treatment plan. Sometimes a night guard can help give immediate relief for the muscles through the repositioning of the jaw. However, a proper bite correction involving the whole dentition in upper and lower jaws is the best solution for long-term benefits and prevention of further complications.

 

ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IS MORE COMFORTABLE WITH CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY

The most comfortable way of correcting bite problems is through clear aligner therapy. Unlike braces, this option is discrete and consists of thin plastic trays made to fit snuggly over the teeth. Every few weeks, the aligners are replaced and slowly but surely, teeth and jaws move closer to their ideal position to provide a balanced bite.

In addition to solving the tension from muscles and bones, the benefits of bite correction are many:

  • Posture improves (bad bite also affects the spine)
  • Cleaning the teeth becomes easier, oral health improves
  • Breathing through the nose is facilitated
  • Sleep and snoring improves (bad bite is often associated with sleep disorders)
  • Younger appearance with a beautiful smile and a balanced bite

 

If you jaw joint hurts, get an appointment with your orthodontist today and avoid serious consequences.