TMJ FAQs

• What is TMJ?
  One out of every 10 Americans suffers from chronic headaches, and they spend over half a billion dollars every year for over-the-counter medications to relieve their pain. They never imagine that their headaches may be caused by TMJ, and that their pain is the result of a bad bite.At Aubin Orthodontics we know a bad bite can put your jaw-to-skull relationship out of alignment.When this happens, TMJ symptoms occur. This cluster of symptoms can include: headaches, earaches, ear ringing, loud jaw clicking, even stiffness and pain in the jaw, neck, shoulders and back. This cluster has puzzled doctors in the past. Now we can put a name to it: TMJ.According to recent studies, more than 40 million Americans suffer with TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction) or MPD (Myofascial Pain Dysfunction). The good news is that we at Aubin Orthodontics are taking the lead in finding solutions.
• How are TMJ disorders caused?
  The exact cause of the disorder is unknown. Some factors are related to an improper bite, injury, arthritis, severe stress, or a combination of factors. Clenching or grinding teeth, a condition called bruxism, may develop from stress or as part of a sleep disorder.This can tire muscles and create painful spasms, causing even more pain. Repeated muscle problems may affect the joints, resulting in tissue damage, muscle tenderness, and more spasm, perpetuating a cycle of pain.
• What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
  • Jaw pain or soreness, more noticeable in the morning or afternoon
  • Jaw pain while chewing, biting, or yawning
  • Earache without an infection, sometimes spreading into the face
  • Soreness in front of the ear
  • A clicking or grinding noise while opening and closing your mouth
  • Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
  • A stiff jaw when eating, talking, or yawning
  • Sensitive teeth without any signs of dental problems
  • Aching on the side of the head and neck pain
  • A burning sensation in the mouth/tongue
  • Grinding of your teeth
  • Restricted range of jaw movement or “locking” of the jaw in an open or closed position

  A thorough dental examination is the first step toward finding a solution. Depending on the diagnosis, treatments may include but is not limited to reshaping the teeth, orthotic fabrication- utilizing JVA (ultra sound (vibration) technology), Cold light treatment to suppress the inflammation and encourage healing.

• What TMJ disorder treatments are available?
  Proper diagnosis is critical to make sure you receive treatment for your particular condition. At Aubin Orthodontics we will only recommend treatment after conducting a thorough health history, clinical exam, CAT, Joint vibration analysis and perhaps other diagnostic test such as Jaw tracker, EMG and T-Scans.
  At Aubin Orthodontics we may prescribe a multiple-phase treatment plan. Only minor corrective treatment may be needed. Treatment may be simple or require more steps for alleviating the condition, depending on the degree of severity.

In most cases, the symptoms related to TMJ disorders can be successfully treated to reduce or eliminate your discomfort. Postponement of treatment usually results in more damage to the joint, muscles, or teeth.