What are TMJ’s? (TMD’s)

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ’s) are located in front of the ear canals on both sides of the face. They connect the lower jaw to the base of the skull. Between the upper most part of the lower jaw and the socket in the skull, resides a cartilaginous disc, which is similar to the discs of other joints in the body, serving as a shock absorber.

What are TMJ’s? (TMD’s) Temporomandibular disorders (TMD’s) are called “TMJ” in laymen terms. TMD/TMJ is a term that describes diseases involving the jaw joint, the disc, as well as the muscles that control jaw movements. TMJ’s have a component of function other than that of muscle-induced movement, namely, occlusion (“the bite”). Each time the teeth are together, a new force is generated by the meshing teeth. This force establishes a precise, rigid end point of jaw movement and dictates its final position relative to the temporal bone (base of the skull), a position that may or may not be in harmony with the one established by the muscles alone. Disharmony between the effect of the bite and that of muscle action may induce masticatory dysfunction or cause overloading of the disc within the joint. Besides a bad bite other factors that may contribute to TMJ symptoms are trauma to the face/jaw, clenching of the teeth, excessive gum chewing, systemic diseases, such as arthritis as well as stress and tension which are known to aggravate an existing TMJ problem.

The first step in definitive therapy is an accurate, confirmed diagnosis. Assuming that a diagnosis has been made, including what is wrong, where, and why, your doctor (Orthodontist) should be able to make a reasonably accurate prognosis as to how the future will unfold. Your Orthodontist should be able to predict to what degree therapy can be expected to produce favorable results, something of the time factor involved, what treatment modalities may be required, and what residual or progressive symptoms or conditions may remain for future consideration.

To find out if your TMJ symptoms can be treated with Orthodontics alone, please contact our office to set up a complimentary TMJ exam and consultation with Dr. Saba. Are you still wondering what are TMJ’s? (TMD’s) Contact Dr. Saba today!