TMJ is an easy acronym for "Temporo-Mandibular Joint" and refers to the joint that hinges the mandible (the lower jaw) to the temporal bone of the skull in front of the ear on each side of the head.

A disc of cartilage is located between these two bones that allows the jaw to glide easily back and forth in the joint every time we talk or chew, yawn or even swallow. Various muscles and ligaments surround and are connected to these bones and to the disc between them. When the joint or the disc becomes displaced or when the ligaments surrounding the joint become stretched or damaged simple movements become painful. This is known as "Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction" (TMD).

Symptoms

Things we take for granted like talking, chewing, yawning can all be adversely affected by a malfunctioning TM joint. Symptoms include:

* Chronic headache
* Ear fullness or pain
* Dizziness
* Clicking, popping or grating on the jaw joint
* Limited jaw opening or locking
* Pain when chewing
* Facial pain
* Neck pain or stiffness
* Tired jaws
* Difficulty closing the teeth together
* Swallowing difficulty and snoring

Treatment

Today TMJ related problems can often be successfully treated without surgery. The treatment plan generally focuses on calming the surrounding muscles and ligaments, relieving the pain and reducing the pressure on the Joint. This is achieved first by creating a custom-fitted oral orthotic appliance, which is worn by the patient on either the upper or lower teeth. Carefully crafted by an experienced dentist, the orthotic appliance relieves the pressure and allows ligaments that have stretched to heal. Each orthotic is crafted to address a particular patient's specific needs. Today's appliances are made of clear acrylic and can often be worn without anyone noticing.