TMJ SPECIALISTS HOUSTON
Generally speaking, TMJ disorder (TMD) is the dysfunction of inter-related jaw joints, muscles that control jaw movement and the dental occlusion (bite). TMJ is a physical disorder that occurs when there is a disharmonious relationship between the jaw and skull with the muscles that move the jaw, as well as the nervous system associated with these systems. This imbalance results in muscle fatigue, spasm and/or joint dysfunction, changes in the teeth, which in turn cause a variety of symptoms, unique for each person.
CAUSES OF TMJ
The symptoms of TMJ can gradually present with no specific cause. They also can occur after a trauma, such as an accidental injury. Even subtle repeated traumas, like clenching the teeth or excessive gum chewing, nail biting or cradling a phone between your shoulder and the side of your head can cause TMJ.
SYMPTOMS OF TMJ
You may have a temporomandibular disorder if you have experienced any of following chronic or recurrent symptoms: headaches, migraines, facial pain, jaw pain, ear pain, clicking/popping jaw joints, difficulty chewing, limited mouth opening, uncomfortable bite, worn down teeth.
DIAGNOSING TMJ
Our TMJ Specialists use various, on-site diagnostic devices such as 3D CT imaging and Jaw Tracking to measure occlusal contact force and occlusal contact sequence to establish objective data in the diagnostic process of analyzing the patient's bite to show what is and what is not functioning properly. » Read More...
TREATING TMJ
It depends on the diagnosis. See our treatment protocol, which starts with establishing a therapeutic occlusion.
