TMJ disorder causes
 

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. Clenching can aggravate a pre-existing TMJ disorder. Most TMJ dysfunction is cause by a posterior and superiorly placed mandible. In other words, your lower jaw closes in a manner that forces your mandible backwards and upwards.

Crooked teeth, deep overbites, underbites are the most usual culprits in causing your jaw into this poor position. If your lower jaw is 24/7, or all the time, in a unhealthy location, it can create pressure of your jaw condyle against the skull near the ears. This constant pressure on the bilaminar zone or nerve plexus can cause migraines, chronic headaches, hearing loss of various levels, tinitis or ringing of the ears, dizziness, sore muscles of the head and neck, loud grinding or popping and pain in the TMJ area just in front of your ears.

TMJ disorders can cause tired muscles of the head, face, neck and back, 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.

We can treat this disorder with an ARS or Anterior Repositioning Splint. This is worn while you sleep. It holds your lower jaw a few millimeters forward of your habitual jaw position. This removes the pressure from the bilaminar zone and allows healing and recuperation of the deranged or diseased TM Joint. You don’t have to live with chronic headaches, migraines, and pain.

For more information about how we can help you with TMJ problems, call us at (562) 920-1731, we will be happy to help you.