TMJ and Jaw Pain: Could Your Bite Be the Cause?

Jaw pain, a clicking or popping sensation when opening or closing the mouth, headaches that seem to originate from the jaw or temples, and difficulty chewing comfortably are all symptoms that many people experience without knowing what causes them. These symptoms are often associated with the temporomandibular joint, commonly referred to as the TMJ, and the disorders that affect it.

The temporomandibular joint is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull on each side of the head. It is one of the most complex joints in the body, allowing the sliding and rotating movements needed for speaking, chewing, and yawning. When this joint, its associated muscles, or the disc of cartilage within it are not functioning correctly, the symptoms associated with TMJ disorders can arise. Liverpool Orthodontics’ specialist team assesses bite relationships that may be contributing to jaw discomfort as part of comprehensive orthodontic evaluation.

What Is the TMJ and Why Does It Matter?

The temporomandibular joint is a ball-and-socket joint with a cartilage disc between the two surfaces, allowing smooth movement. The jaw muscles that power chewing and speaking attach around this joint. The TMJ works in concert with the teeth: the way the upper and lower teeth meet (the occlusion or bite) influences how forces are distributed through the joint and the associated muscles.

When the bite is well aligned, forces during chewing and biting are distributed across many teeth simultaneously, and the muscles and joint work in a balanced, efficient manner. When the bite is not well aligned, certain teeth bear more force than they should, the jaw may shift to one side to find a comfortable closing position, and the muscles that control the jaw can become overworked or develop compensatory patterns.

Common TMJ and Jaw Symptoms

• Jaw pain or soreness: most commonly in the joint area in front of the ear, but can also be felt in the jaw muscles and temples
• Clicking, popping or grinding sounds: occur when the disc within the joint is displaced or not moving smoothly. Not all clicking is painful, but persistent clicking with associated pain warrants assessment
• Limited jaw opening: difficulty opening the mouth fully, or the jaw deviating to one side when opening
• Headaches: tension-type headaches that originate from the jaw muscles or the TMJ area, often felt at the temples or spreading to the forehead
• Facial pain: a dull or aching pain in the face, typically worse in the morning (which can indicate clenching or grinding during sleep)
• Tooth wear: excessive or uneven wear on the tooth surfaces can be associated with bruxism (grinding) which often co-occurs with TMJ disorders

The Relationship Between Bite and TMJ

The relationship between bite alignment and TMJ disorders is complex and is an area of ongoing research in dental and medical science. While bite problems do not cause TMJ disorders in all cases, and not all bite problems lead to TMJ symptoms, the relationship is clinically significant in a subset of patients.

Key bite-related factors that may contribute to TMJ symptoms include:

• Deep overbite: where the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth, which can cause the lower jaw to sit further back than its optimal position
• Crossbite: where one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside, which can cause the jaw to shift laterally to find a comfortable closing position
• Missing teeth: when teeth are missing, the remaining teeth shift over time, changing the bite relationship in ways that can affect how forces are distributed through the TMJ
• Clenching and grinding (bruxism): sustained clenching and grinding creates chronic overload on both the teeth and the TMJ, and can both cause and exacerbate jaw symptoms

When to See an Orthodontist About Jaw Pain

Orthodontists are specifically trained in bite analysis and occlusal relationships. If jaw pain, clicking, or related symptoms appear to be connected to the way your teeth meet, an orthodontic assessment can identify bite factors that may be contributing.

It is important to note that TMJ disorders are typically managed by a multidisciplinary team and may require input from a dentist, an orthodontist, an oral and maxillofacial specialist, and in some cases a physiotherapist or GP. Orthodontic treatment alone is not a universal treatment for TMJ disorders. However, addressing significant bite problems that are contributing to joint or muscle dysfunction is often a meaningful part of the management pathway for some patients. Contact Liverpool Orthodontics for a specialist assessment if you are concerned about a possible bite connection to your jaw symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will orthodontic treatment fix my TMJ problems?

Not necessarily, and not all TMJ symptoms are caused by bite problems that orthodontic treatment can address. An orthodontic assessment can identify whether there is a bite component to your symptoms. If there is, addressing the bite may reduce or eliminate symptoms in some cases. However, TMJ disorders have multiple contributing factors and orthodontic treatment is not a guaranteed or universal solution. A specialist assessment is the appropriate first step.

I have jaw clicking but no pain. Should I be concerned?

Jaw clicking without pain is common and is often asymptomatic for many years. However, a clicking joint warrants awareness: if clicking becomes associated with pain, reduced opening, or other symptoms, it should be assessed by a dental or medical professional. If you are concerned about jaw clicking, mention it at your next dental or orthodontic appointment.

How is a bite assessment performed at Liverpool Orthodontics?

A bite assessment at Liverpool Orthodontics includes a clinical examination of the bite relationship, observation of jaw opening and closing patterns, discussion of any symptoms, and review of any relevant X-rays or scans. The free initial consultation at Liverpool Orthodontics is approximately 45 minutes and includes the information needed to assess whether orthodontic treatment could address any bite-related concerns.