The temporomandibular joint

Many patients suffer from myofascial pain in the jaw, head, neck, teeth, ears and temporomandibular joint (i.e., your jaw bone socket, also known as the ‘TMJ’). Others report limitations in the movement of their jaw, hearing clicking sounds when opening and closing their mouth, and experiencing dizzy spells, loss of balance and impaired vision. In many of these cases, the patients do not know the source of the problem or which healthcare professional to consult to bring relief and have a positive impact on their level of comfort and quality of life.

Although all these conditions can stem from a variety of unrelated causes, when several signs associated with temporomandibular disorders present concurrently, it becomes clear that reducing the stress in the area of the jaw and the TMJ is one of the first actions to take. To the patient’s delight, the benefits are tangible and immediate!

As a general rule, TMJ dysfunction is a result of the lower jaw bone sitting too far back in the face relative to the articular disc: a plate of cartilage that is supposed to cushion the bone from the rubbing brought on by the jaw’s range of movements.

Located just in front of the ears, the TMJ is a complex joint since it allows movement in any direction and comprises two parts (a left side and a right side) that work as a pair.

Patients may consult numerous specialists in the hopes of resolving the situation before determining the main cause and finding relief. To make matters worse, although this problem is of a dental nature, not all dentists have received the same training, profess the same understanding of the condition or can offer the same treatment options, all of which can seem very discouraging for patients.

The neuromuscular approach, however, yields highly-effective results. This form of treatment involves relaxing the jaw and the muscles surrounding it in order to reduce the pressure on the articular disc and the area behind the joint and provide relief.

Restoring the joint to a more comfortable position is accomplished through the use of a specialized appliance (the MYO-MONITOR), a neuromuscular occlusal plate and/or a change in occlusion by correcting the lack of posterior support and the loss of vertical dimension (i.e., the jaw being closed too tightly). This treatment will harmonize the position of the two joints with respect to the articular discs, muscles and teeth.