Your lower jaw is suspended beneath your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) by an intricate system of muscles and tendons. The joint, surrounding muscles, and the fit of your teeth are closely interrelated and interact as your jaw moves, as during speech, chewing, and swallowing. Open and close your mouth with your fingers pressed to your face just in front of your ears; what you feel is the action of the Temporomandibular Joint. The terms TMJ and TMD are used to describe varied symptoms and conditions that are associated with the Temporomandibular Joint, the surrounding muscles, and the alignment of the bite.

Dental conditions are often at the root of TMJ disorders. The way the teeth fit together (occlusion) is an important piece of the puzzle. With ideal occlusion, the teeth and jaw fit together in a comfortable, balanced relationship that allows for muscle relaxation and oxygenation. If your teeth are not in proper relation to each other and to the complex joints of the jaw, the jaw will compensate for the misalignment by shifting to a new position. This misalignment is called malocclusion. This may result in clenching, grinding, premature wear on the teeth, stress on muscles and tendons, clicking of the jaw, headaches, pain, and other problems. Through treatment, the relationship of the teeth, joints, and muscles can be corrected for optimal functioning. 

There are, of course, other possible causes for TMJ disorders, including disease, injury, and stress. A thorough diagnostic process is used to evaluate symptoms and signs and to establish an effective treatment plan.