IMPORTANT!:

Many doctors claim to fully understand the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its common disorder (TMD ,or temporomandibular disorder). Often these same doctors, and yes, even the specialists, prescribe a  treatment plan or surgical procedure that leaves the patient in far worse condition than before the treatment or procedure. We have actually known several patients who have come out of these procedures and are now experiencing permanent excruciating pain...pain that will never go away and will plague them for the rest of their lives! These patients found out only too late that their doctor or specialist knew far less than they were led to believe and the results were disastrous. 

We at Sonshine Dental Care find this extremely sad, especially considering this scenario is preventable. TMD is very treatable, but it must be done correctly the first time to avoid permanent damage to the joint and muscle tissue in this region. This cannot be achieved without a proper understanding of the joint. Dr. Nieten has done a great deal of research on this topic and possesses this crucial understanding. Because of this he has become one of  the few who is actually qualified to treat TMD. His record with TMD patients is outstanding, which is what should be considered first and foremost when seeking treatment for your TMD symptoms. Please continue reading to discover what TMJ and TMD really are.

What Is  TMJ and TMD?

When most individuals think of TMJ, they think of the common bothersome (or even painful) disorder found in the joint that connects your jaws. Most of us have known someone with this disorder. However, TMJ is actually not a condition at all, but rather the joint itself (one that all of us possess) called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is a complex slide and rotation hinge joint that allows the lower jaw to open and close, move forward and backward, and move side to side in relationship to the upper jaw. This facilitates eating, speaking, and other useful purposes. There are also various muscles, ligaments, cartilage, fibrous connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and a disk that are involved in the process. When these components are not in harmony (disorder) a host of problems can develop, the most well known of these conditions is TMD (temporomandibular disorder), commonly  but mistakenly referred to as TMJ.

Primary Cause

All of the above problems are related to an improper lower jaw position, muscle imbalance, and or joint disease. Joint disease can be the source of problems, but is most often the result of problems. The most common cause of TMJ related problems is improper lower jaw position. All of the problems listed above can be the direct result of an improper lower jaw position. We will focus on this basic root problem and its correction in this brochure.

Basic Root Problems

Because the jaws and teeth are not in proper position (malocclusion), jaw muscles must over exert to bring the teeth together. This can cause: tired muscles, sore muscles, and muscle spasm. Muscle imbalance can also lead to throat problems and neck and shoulder pain in advanced cases. When the occlusion or bite is not right, this can cause a person to grind their teeth excessively (bruxism) or hold teeth together with excessive force (clenching) because of stress. This can cause excessive wear of teeth (attrition) or tender or sensitive teeth.