TMJ disorder treatment

TMJ orthodontics

Taking care of your oral health involves more than just brushing and flossing your teeth. If you frequently clench your teeth or experience a jaw injury, you may be at a greater risk of developing a jaw joint disorder. At Owens Orthodontics, our team can help you find relief to restore your health and quality of life.

What is a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder?

The TMJ is a joint on either side of your jaw that links your jawbone and skull together. The TMJ allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side to talk, chew and yawn. If you are experiencing a TMJ disorder, it may become painful to move your jaw.

While orthodontic TMJ specialists do not know the exact cause of TMJ disorder, it can result from muscular issues in your jaw or in the parts of the joint itself. An injury to your jaw, joint or head and neck muscles, such as whiplash, can also result in a TMJ disorder.

Other factors that can cause TMJ disorder:

  • Grinding your teeth

  • Stress

  • Arthritis

Symptoms of TMJ

The severity of TMJ disorder symptoms can vary between patients. TMJ disorder can be temporary, long-lasting and affect one or both sides of your face. Some of the most common symptoms you may experience include:

  • Pain in your face, jaw, shoulder, neck or around the ear when speaking, chewing or opening your mouth
  • Issues opening your mouth wide
  • Jaws that lock in an open or closed position
  • Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
  • The upper and lower teeth feel as though they do not fit together for an uncomfortable bite
  • Side facial swelling

Contact us for a complimentary consultation

Start living your life pain-free again with TMJ relief from Owens Orthodontics. Our kind and compassionate staff will take the time to understand your needs and treatment goals to develop a personalized orthodontic solution.

Learn more about our TMJ orthodontics services by scheduling your first free initial consultation!