Your jaw joints help you speak, chew, yawn, and open and close your mouth. When a problem affects one of these joints or the surrounding muscles, everyday movements may become uncomfortable or more difficult.
Jaw pain, stiffness, locking, or painful clicking may be signs of a disorder affecting the temporomandibular joint, often called TMJ disorder. Because these symptoms can have several possible causes, understanding where they come from is an important first step.
At L&M Orthodontics, our team can evaluate how your teeth, bite, and jaws work together and help determine whether orthodontic care or another type of treatment may be appropriate.
What is the TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. You have one on each side of your face, located just in front of your ears. These joints connect your lower jaw to your skull and work with the surrounding muscles and ligaments to guide jaw movement.
Although people often use “TMJ” to describe jaw pain or a jaw condition, TMJ is the name of the joint itself.
What is TMJ Disorder?
Temporomandibular disorders, or TMDs, are a group of conditions that affect the jaw joints, the muscles used for chewing, or both. “TMJ disorder” is the term many patients recognize, but TMD is the more accurate name for the condition.
Some TMD symptoms are temporary and improve on their own. Others may continue or return over time. An evaluation can help rule out other conditions and identify the most appropriate next step.
Common Signs of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder can feel different from one person to another. Common signs may include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint or chewing muscles
- Pain that spreads into the face or neck
- Jaw stiffness or limited movement
- A jaw that locks or feels stuck
- Painful clicking, popping, or grinding when opening or closing the mouth
- Discomfort while chewing
- A change in how the upper and lower teeth fit together
Clicking or popping without pain is common and does not always mean treatment is needed. However, sounds accompanied by pain, locking, or limited movement should be evaluated.
What Causes TMJ Pain?
There is not always one clear cause of TMJ disorder. In many cases, several factors may contribute to jaw discomfort or changes in movement.
Possible factors may include:
- An injury to the jaw or jaw joint
- Strain in the muscles used for chewing
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Arthritis or another condition affecting the joint
- Stress-related muscle tension
A misaligned bite is not considered a universal cause of TMD, and orthodontic treatment does not cause TMD. Because jaw symptoms can overlap with dental, muscular, or joint-related concerns, a careful evaluation is important before treatment is recommended.
How Can an Orthodontist Help with TMJ Concerns?
Orthodontists are specialists in the alignment of the teeth and jaws. During an evaluation, your orthodontist will:
- Ask about your symptoms, health history, and when the discomfort occurs
- Check how widely and smoothly your jaw opens and closes
- Examine how your upper and lower teeth fit together
- Evaluate tooth alignment and jaw development
- Look for areas of tenderness or changes in jaw movement
- Use X-rays or other imaging when needed
This evaluation can help your orthodontist determine whether an alignment or jaw-development concern needs attention. It can also help identify when another provider, such as a general dentist, physician, oral surgeon, or physical therapist, should be involved.
Can Braces or Invisalign Help with TMJ Disorder?
Braces or Invisalign may be appropriate when a patient has a separate tooth-alignment or bite concern that would benefit from orthodontic treatment. However, they are not a universal treatment for TMJ pain.
The right approach depends on what is causing the symptoms. Some patients may benefit from simple, conservative care, while others may need treatment from another type of specialist. An orthodontic evaluation can help clarify whether tooth or jaw alignment should be part of the care plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Disorder
Can children and teens develop TMJ problems?
Yes. Children and teens can experience jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, or difficulty with movement. An evaluation can help determine whether the symptoms may be related to the jaw joint, surrounding muscles, an injury, or another concern.
Should I see an orthodontist or a dentist for TMJ pain?
Either provider can be a helpful starting point. An orthodontist can evaluate the bite, tooth alignment, jaw growth, and movement. Depending on the findings, your care may also involve a general dentist, physician, oral surgeon, physical therapist, or another specialist.
Will TMJ disorder go away on its own?
Some TMJ symptoms improve without treatment, while others continue or return. If symptoms interfere with eating or speaking, become more frequent, or include locking or limited movement, it is important to have them evaluated.
Can TMJ disorder cause headaches?
TMJ disorders can sometimes contribute to headaches, particularly when the chewing muscles are tense or overworked. However, headaches can have many possible causes, so ongoing or frequent headaches should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare provider.
Understanding the Right Next Step for Jaw Concerns
Jaw pain, stiffness, or changes in movement can have different causes, so treatment should be based on a careful evaluation rather than symptoms alone.
If you or your child is experiencing ongoing jaw discomfort, painful clicking, stiffness, or difficulty chewing, the team at L&M Orthodontics can evaluate your bite and jaw alignment and help you understand the right next step. Schedule a consultation at our Doylestown, Glenside, or Perkasie, Pennsylvania location.