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What is TMJ and TMD?



The tempromandibular joint
or TMJ assists in the basic opening and closing movements of the jaw.
Tempromandibular Disorders or TMD occur as a result of problems with the TMJ,
jaw joint and facial muscles that control the movement of the jaw and chewing.



The causes of TMD and TMJ
problems can include:

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  • Grinding or clenching of the teeth



    • Dislocation of the jaw joint



      • The continual tightening of facial and jaw
        muscles due to living a high-stress lifestyle



        • Age-related wearing down of the jaw



          • Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in
            the TMJ


            • Symptoms of TMD and
            Problems with the TMJ



            Common symptoms of TMD
            include:

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            • Pain or tenderness in face, jaw joint area
              or around the ear when chewing, speaking or opening your mouth wide



              • Limited ability to open your mouth very
                wide



                • Jaws that get stuck or lock in open or
                  closed-mouth position



                  • Clicking or popping sound when chewing



                    • Swelling on the side of the face



                      • Difficulty chewing or a sudden,
                        uncomfortable bite


                        • At Sunrise Orthodontics, we can provide you with a comprehensive TMJ exam that
                        will evaluate the joint tissue in the “hinge” of the jaw. Dr. Calkins will look
                        for symptoms including swelling, deterioration of the joint tissue and damage
                        of the joint tissue.



                        Treatment Options for TMJ
                        Pain Cases



                        For minor TMJ pain, common
                        over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can provide temporary
                        relief. For more serious cases of TMJ, Dr. Calkins will recommend  alternative treatments such as wearing a
                        night guard to relieve teeth grinding. She may also recommend that you use an
                        orthodontic appliance or retainer to alleviate discomfort or to redirect the
                        positioning of the TMJ joint. For the most severe TMD problems, Dr. Calkins may
                        recommend more invasive procedures.



                        If you are in discomfort
                        from jaw pain that you believe can be related to TMD, we encourage you to set
                        up an orthodontic consultation with our Reston, Virginia orthodontist office.
                        Simply give us a call at (702) 476-3968 or email us at info@sunrise-orthodontics.com to schedule an appointment time. 

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