TMJ Disorder

Over 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ Disorder. This large group includes people of all ages- pre-teens, teens, young adults, the middle-aged and seniors. The words "TMJ Disorder" are often a catch-all term used to describe dysfunction of the jaw muscles and joints. It can be as minor as slight clicking or popping sensations when the mouth is opened and closed, or as serious as persistent pain extending into the face, neck and shoulders affecting posture and even mobility.

TMJ Disorder may develop for any number of reasons:
  • Stress causing clenched teeth (bruxism) and muscle spasms
  • Lost or crooked teeth
  • Overbite
  • Teeth that fit together poorly (malocclusion)
  • Degenerative arthritis
  • Various head or neck injuries including whiplash
Any of these conditions can result in a misalignment or displacement of the jaw which places stress on the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and connecting tissues of the TM joints. When the condition is prolonged, your body may begin to compensate by adapting an unnatural posture involving the muscles of the neck, back or even the arms and pelvis.

Dr. Jackson is trained in neuromuscular dentistry. Most TMJ pain is caused by muscle spasms in the head and neck, and Dr. Jackson uses several methods to relax the muscles. He then adjusts the alignment of the teeth and jaws to maintain those muscles in a relaxed position. This can be accomplished by orthotics that adjust the position of the jaws, by orthodontics, and by restoring the teeth. He has a high success rate for treating TMJ pain.