Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, commonly known as TMJ disorder, can be incredibly painful.

If you’ve ever experienced jaw pain you’ll know how frustrating it is. It can have a big impact on your life. TMJ is one of the common causes of jaw pain. It can cause a lot of unnecessary stress, because it affects you every time you eat and talk.

Many people with TMJ experience constant jaw pain, have difficulty chewing and locking their jaw joint. If left untreated it can get worse and cause even more problems for you. It can become more difficult to treat and can often cause chronic headaches.

What is it?

The temporomandibular joint is the jaw joint which allows the movements needed for eating, talking, swallowing and yawning. It’s one of the most frequently used joints in the body.

TMJ can often be caused by dental issues including poor jaw or tooth alignment, injury or dislocation, arthritis and stress-related problems such as teeth clenching. TMJ can sometimes be treated with pain relief medication, relaxation techniques or by performing jaw exercises.

Need to know

Appointments

At least 2 appointments

At the first consultation visit the dentist will assess and recommend the best treatment option for you. They may refer you to an orthodontist or specialist

At the second visit, if you’re with a dentist and they have recommended an appliance such as a plate you may have your appliance fitted. If you’re with an orthodontist you might start the process of orthodontic treatment

Further appointments will usually be needed to check on the fit of the appliance or orthodontic work

How long it takes

The consultation will usually take around 30 minutes. This could be longer if impressions of the mouth are taken for the fit of a dental appliance

The fitting of the appliance will usually take around 30 minutes

You may be asked about

• Your dental history and medical history
• The type of pain you’ve been experiencing and how long you’ve had it