TMJ / Neuromuscular Dentistry - Causes of TMJ
Smile Makeover Specialist
In Collierville and Memphis, Tennessee
If you would like to contact Dr. Ettienne van Zyl to ask a question or schedule an appointment visit our convenient contact form.
Whenever your jaw is not in the proper position, the muscles in your jaw are stressed, and over time this can lead to the condition known as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). This can be exacerbated by stress, weight gain, exercise, or injury.
Some of the causes of TMJ include:
- Improper bite, tooth, or jaw alignment
- Head injury
- Yawning, or other exertions of the jaw
- Clenching or grinding of teeth
- Gaps in the teeth, especially the back molars
- Cervical traction involving the shoulders, neck, and jaw
- Compromised tongue position
- Arthritis
- Poor posture
Some of the bite, tooth, or jaw alignment problems that contribute to TMD are:
- Crowded teeth
- Narrow bite arch or arches
- Crossbites
- Unlevel bite planes
- Gumline tooth erosion
- Bruxism (clenching of teeth)
- Tooth cusp fractures
- Porcelain crown fractures
- Overbite or underbite
If you suffer from any of these conditions and have any number of the Symptoms of TMD, you may have TMD. Only a dentist trained in neuromuscular techniques can Diagnose TMD. To learn more about TMD, please consult our TMD Questions page, or contact Dr. van Zyl today to set up an initial consultation.
