TMJ Parafunction/Disorders

When we have general jaw ache signs medically it is given a number of  confusion names. However, ‘TMJ’ is short for Temporo-Mandibular-Joint which is the name of the jaw joint.

Jaw related symptoms is related to night teeth grinding. This is common as all of us will do it in our deep REM sleep. When it is excessive, it is called ‘bruxism’. This causes a number of signs and symptoms. As orthodontists, in order of frequency, we will see:

1. Crushed and split removable retainers.
2. Flaking of the resin with fixed retainers.
3. Jaw/muscle aches in the regions of jaw, head, neck, shoulders, and back.
4. Jaw deviation on opening.
5. Joint clicking or popping.
6. Limited jaw opening, below 25mm.
7. Greater tooth wear.
8. Jaw locking.
9. Headaches.
10. Gum recession and increased tooth mobility, not just regular gum issues.
11. ‘Crack tooth’ syndrome.
12.  Abfraction cavities near the gums due to teeth flexing from grinding.

If your retainers are wearing out faster than expected, it could be a sign of TMJ parafunction or excessive teeth grinding (bruxism). Orthodontists often detect this issue when retainers show significant wear and tear, even with limited use. These examples of retainers worn for just one year highlight the impact of excessive pressure on your teeth.

To address this, we take a comprehensive approach, including:

• Evaluating the rate of tooth wear.
• Assessing gum health for signs of stress.
• Checking for loose or mobile teeth.
• Examining the condition of your jaw joints.

Your teeth are built to last a lifetime with minimal wear. Typical daily chewing habits rarely cause significant damage because teeth only make contact for less than 20 minutes a day, applying gentle forces during normal eating.

However, for those dealing with bruxism, the situation changes dramatically. At night, without the brain’s feedback mechanism to regulate pressure, teeth can endure up to 14 times more force than during the day. This intense pressure can lead to significant wear, gum stress, and even retainer damage over time.

Regularly monitoring your retainers and addressing any signs of excessive wear is essential for protecting your oral health. By identifying bruxism early and implementing the right strategies, you can safeguard your teeth, gums, and smile for the future. Trust us to provide expert advice and solutions tailored to your needs.

Your teeth are designed to last a lifetime with minimal wear. Under normal conditions, daily eating habits rarely cause significant damage because teeth only make contact for less than 20 minutes a day. During this time, they endure relatively gentle forces while chewing.

However, bruxism—involuntary teeth grinding, particularly at night—tells a different story. Without the brain’s feedback mechanism to regulate pressure during sleep, individuals with bruxism can apply up to 14 times more force on their teeth than they do while awake. This excessive pressure can lead to substantial damage over time, including enamel wear, gum stress, and even tooth fractures.

Understanding the risks of bruxism and seeking early intervention is essential to protect your teeth and maintain their long-term health. Identifying these habits early can prevent irreversible damage and keep your smile strong for years to come.

Smile Makeover with Bonding

When teeth show signs of serious wear, a swift and effective solution is composite bonding. This one-step procedure works wonders to rebuild lost tooth structure and even boosts facial height. To keep that new smile safe, the use of a well designed sleep clench inhibitor is essential.

When teeth show significant wear, a combination of orthodontic retainers or a sleep clench inhibitor (SCI) with composite bonding provides an effective solution. This approach not only restores the structure and appearance of your teeth but also offers added protection against further wear.

The retainers can be used to help desensitize teeth, ensuring greater comfort and functionality over time. This comprehensive solution addresses both the aesthetic and protective needs of worn teeth in a conservative manner.

Why Does Your Jaw Click? Understanding TMJ Issues

A clicking jaw can often be traced back to overactive muscles during deep sleep clenching, where the jaw exerts up to 14 times more force than during conscious movements. This intense pressure can pull the joint disc out of place, leading to discomfort and functional issues.

When the disc in the jaw joint shifts out of position, the joint may “trip” over its edge when opening or closing—similar to tripping over a fold in a rug. This misalignment can cause the characteristic clicking sound as the jaw tries to realign itself. Often, there is also a jaw deviation, which is nature’s way of attempting to rest the joint. Think of this deviation as a “limp” for the jaw, much like how we limp with a sprained ankle.

In more severe cases, the jaw may struggle to move past the disc, limiting how wide you can open your mouth. If the joint cannot move past the disc at all, it can result in a locked jaw, leaving your mouth stuck open and causing significant discomfort.

Take Action: A clicking or locked jaw is a clear signal to pause and seek advice. Early intervention can prevent further damage and keep your jaw joints functioning smoothly.

Find Relief from TMJ Disorders with FIRST Ortho

“So delighted with the results from my treatment with FIRST Ortho. I no longer suffer from headaches. Would recommend the team 100%!” – Mandy

“This treatment changed my world,” says our first ever SCI client.

At FIRST Ortho, we take a tailored approach to TMJ and bruxism treatments, achieving significant results like reducing jaw muscle activity by an average of 85%. This level of relaxation gives hard-working muscles a break and helps wayward discs return to their proper place.

While bruxism and TMJ dysfunction have multiple opinions surrounding their causes, our focus is clear: manage the condition effectively rather than stop grinding entirely, keeping symptoms in check.

Understanding TMJ Symptoms:

• In the early stages, a click in the jaw might occur as the joint disc takes a detour—a bit like hitting a speed bump.
• To reduce discomfort, limit wide jaw movements (like big yawns) and switch to a soft-food diet to give your joints some TLC.

Why a Bite Guard Matters:
Spotting TMJ symptoms? A bite guard can be a game-changer—but it needs to be the right type. At FIRST Ortho, we offer two proven options:

1. Vacuum-Formed Retainer: Ideal for mild symptoms, this thin and sleek option offers discreet protection.
2. Sleep Clench Inhibitor (SCI): Designed for more severe cases, including jaw clicks, stuck jaws, or heavy tooth wear. Clinically proven and FDA-approved for effective relief.

Choose the right solution to protect your smile and enjoy long-term relief from TMJ disorders. At FIRST Ortho, we’re here to help.

Reduce Jaw Muscle Pressure by 85% with an SCI

Did you know that wearing a Sleep Clench Inhibitor (SCI) can reduce jaw muscle pressure by an impressive 85%?

Here’s a simple experiment to see how it works:

1. Place a pencil between your back teeth (molars or canines) and press down.
2. Touch your temple—feel that muscle pop?
3. Now, move the pencil to your front teeth (incisors) and press again.
4. Touch your temple again—notice how the muscle relaxes?

That’s exactly what an SCI does! It helps your jaw muscles relax by redirecting pressure, giving overworked muscles a much-needed break.

Take control of your jaw health and experience the benefits of a calmer, more relaxed bite with an SCI. It’s a small device that makes a big difference!

Understanding Jaw Muscles and the Trigeminal Nerve

Let’s talk about the fascinating connection between your jaw muscles and the trigeminal nerve—also known as the fifth cranial nerve. This nerve controls around 28 jaw muscles, keeping them in perfect balance. But when even one muscle misbehaves, it can trigger a domino effect, leading to jaw dysfunction.

The trigeminal nerve’s complexity means it can contribute to various issues, including jaw aches, headaches, and pain that mimics migraines. (It’s important to note that true migraines are a medical condition requiring expert care from a doctor or neurologist.)

Presentations of jaw-related dysfunction can be complex, often involving multiple factors. While we focus on non-invasive management, such as bite alignment and muscle relaxation, certain cases may require complementary treatments like Botox, nerve blocks, or medication. Although we don’t provide these services, we’ll guide you toward appropriate specialists if needed and collaborate to support your care.

Our goal is to help you navigate these challenges with clarity and expert advice, ensuring your jaw health is managed effectively and in harmony with your overall well-being.

Unraveling TMJ Dysfunction: A Logical Approach

Understanding TMJ dysfunction is like a detective investigation. We take a good history and conduct a thorough examination of the head and neck muscles that control your jaw. Often, this reveals plenty of clues without the need for complex X-rays at this stage.

Our primary goal? To uncover what’s happening and explain it in simple terms. This clarity can be a game-changer, especially in a field filled with more “expert opinions” than actual solutions. We’ve met clients who have already consulted physiotherapists, osteopaths, neurologists, oral surgeons, acupuncturists, doctors, dentists, and more—yet still found no relief.

What has consistently worked for our patients is what we’ve learned from Dr. Barry Glassman over the last 12 years. A highly experienced and knowledgeable dentist, Dr. Glassman ran an exclusive head and pain clinic, pioneering a logical and effective approach.

We don’t rely on Botox, nerve blocks, hydrocortisone injections, or surgical interventions without addressing the basics first. The Glassman approach has delivered significant results for our patients without unnecessary complexity.

Schedule a consultation with us, and you’ll likely walk away with a clear understanding of your condition and a logical plan that makes sense.

The Nightly Grind: Protecting Your Teeth from Sleep Bruxism

When we drift into deep sleep, our teeth sometimes get their own intense workout—grinding with gym-level force!

The surprising part? We’re completely unaware until we wake up with a clicking jaw or aching muscles. If you’ve ever tried grinding your teeth while awake, you know how difficult it is—yet during REM sleep, the force can be up to 14 times stronger. That’s like comparing the sound of a mobile phone to the roar of a live rock concert!

These extreme pressures can disrupt the jaw joint’s structure, leading to long-term issues that become harder to fix over time. It’s also no secret that bruxism can cause significant wear on teeth, something we see firsthand at FIRST Ortho.

Our philosophy? “The earlier, the better” when it comes to managing this nightly grind. By acting quickly, we can protect your teeth, keep your jaw healthy, and maintain a peaceful night’s sleep.

Let’s work together to keep your pearly whites in top shape—because your smile deserves nothing less!