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About Temporomandibular Disorders

_{There are a large variety of symptoms that are associated with temporomandibular disorders. Since it was originally thought that these symptoms had their origin in the Temporomandibular Joint the all-inclusive term “TMJ” was used to describe the condition. Since “TMJ” simply refers to a part of your anatomy, today the term Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is the more commonly used term.}

Symptoms of TemporoMandibular Disorders

Causes of TemporoMandibular Disorders

_{The Temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are unique set of joints within the human body. They are the only joints able to move in six directions; anterior-posterior (forward and backward), lateral (side-to-side), vertical (up and down), pitch, roll and yaw. One of their main roles is to accommodate or act as a shock absorber when the teeth bite together (Occlusion). When the occlusion is in a state of pathology it affects the central nervous system, joints and the muscles of mastication (chewing).When both of the joints and muscles have to adjust to a bite that is faulty, it initiates a spastic muscle cycle of fatigue and pain that ultimately affects the rest of the posture of the body as it accommodates to this unnatural position. The end result is a variety of symptoms that are often overlooked or positively correlated to the faulty bite. A traumatic accident, missing teeth, grinding, poor posture or previous dental work can not only affect the bite, muscles, joints, central nervous system, but can drastically affect the rest of the posture of the whole body.}

Treatment of TemporoMandibular Disorders

_{Utilizing the principles of neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Adams uses sophisticated neuromuscular diagnostic instrumentation (K-7, Myotronics) to record your jaw position, measure the activity of your jaw and facial muscles at rest and in function and record any sounds your jaw joints may be making as you open and close your mouth.}

_{The next step is to relax the facial and upper cervical (neck) muscles. Dr. Adams will do this using a TENS unit. The TENS unit (J5 Myomonitor), will relax these muscles using mild electrical stimulation. Once a state of relaxation has been reached, (typically after about one hour of TENSing in a massage chair) your jaw will be in a position called physiologic rest. This is a very important position because it allows the muscles to shift from an anerobic, fatigued, lactic acid producing state to a relaxed, very energy efficient aerobic state. This aerobic state allows the muscles to function at a comfortable, physiologic resting length. This is critical to bring the teeth, joints and muscles into a state of harmony or equilibrium eliminating the spastic muscle pain cycle.} 

_{From this position of physiologic rest Dr. Adams will determine a new closing path for your jaw called a neuromuscular trajectory. Along this neuromuscular trajectory he will establish a new muscle comfortable bite that corrects the malocclusion.}

_{In order for your muscles and joints to learn and adapt this new occlusion, Dr. Adams will create an anatomical orthosis for you. An anatomical orthosis is a removable plastic mouthpiece worn over the lower teeth. The orthosis allows the jaw to be orthopedically aligned to function at this new physiologically established neuromuscular position.}

_{With an orthosis, nothing is done to permanently alter your teeth or your bite. The objective is to provide relief, eliminate or reduce pain and to assess the effectiveness of your new neuromuscular position (bite). It is not unusual to experience dramatic relief from your TMD symptoms within 24-48 hours of wearing your neuromuscular anatomical orthosis. When you are comfortable and we have determined that your new neuromuscular bite is stable, he will discuss several “Phase Two” treatment plans that you may wish to consider for a permanent solution to your TMD problem. Dr. Adams will discuss with you these various options to help you determine what solution will be best for you.}

1.  Temporomandibular Disorders and Hormones in Women, Warren M, Fried J, 2001; 169:187-192, Cells Tissues Organs