What Causes TMJ?

In most cases, TMJ disorders and symptoms stem from a condition called malocclusion, which means having a "bad bite" or from accidents or trauma. Malocclusion means that your upper and lower teeth do not close together in the correct fashion - they are misaligned. This includes under bites and overbites.

Malocclusion can be caused by a number of factors or events, including genetics, previous orthodontics or cosmetic procedures, consistent plaque buildup between dental visits, or other causes. When the teeth are misaligned, they fail to provide the necessary support muscles in the face need for chewing and swallowing. These muscles are then forced into a strained position, resulting in pain throughout the face, head, arms, shoulders, and back.

Although a person may have beautiful teeth or had orthodontics to line the teeth up for cosmetic reasons, the muscles and joints may not be comfortable in their new position.

Find out more about TMJ disorder or TMJ symptoms.

"Aesthetic dentistry" takes these factors into account when performing cosmetic procedures - an important consideration for those entertaining having this type of work performed.

An Accurate TMJ Diagnosis

Before an accurate solution to symptoms can be ascertained, an accurate diagnosis must be made. Without an accurate diagnosis, any solution cannot reliably produce predictable results. Dr. Miller is a leading TMJ dentist. Having studied at, and now an instructor for, The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, he is uniquely qualified to help you establish whether the TMJ joint is responsible for any symptoms you are experiencing, and what treatment options will produce the predictable result you want: the alleviation of your symptoms. Without an accurate diagnosis, patients can waste time and money on solutions that may or may not work. Dr. Miller relies on a handful of medical technologies, not just solely relying on a patient's reporting symptoms associated with TMJ, to arrive at the diagnosis with you.

Dr. Miller uses the state-of-the-art technology and techniques, learned and mastered at The Las Vegas Institute, to produce an accurate diagnosis of the TMJ and the symptoms you are experiencing. As noted, most TMJ disorders stem from malocclusion: the bite of the jaw being misaligned. The next section discusses how Dr. Miller determines whether you have malocclusion, and if so, what your optimal jaw position should be.

The Mechanics of A TMJ Diagnosis

Most TMJ problems come from malocclusion - a misaligned joint or "bad bite". To determine this, Dr. Miller finds the normal state of your jaw and its "natural" state to see if there is a discrepancy. Using a technology called Ultra Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (ULF-TENS), Dr. Miller is able to relax the jaw to determine its "natural" state. ULF-TENS relaxes the jaw and its muscles by providing a gentle, repetitive massage. Best of all, the procedure is non-invasive, relaxing, and done right in Dr. Miller's office.

The rhythmic pulsing relaxes the muscles by increasing blood flow and pumping out waste products. ULF-TENS also helps with pain relief by stimulating the body's production of endorphins, your body's natural anesthetic. As the muscle's (and the patient) relax, the jaw moves to its natural position.

Electromyography (EMG) is a medical technique for evaluating and recording the physiologic properties of muscles while at rest and while contracting. Once your jaw has reached the relaxed position, Dr. Miller uses EMG, basically computerized jaw tracking instruments, to record jaw movement, resting position, and the jaw's natural path of closure. EMG is also used to measure your jaw's muscle function in both its stressed and relaxed positions, and will also measure the jaw-to-skull relationship to see if there is a structural imbalance.

Sonography is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, and blood flow inside the body. Dr. Miller will then use this technology to record jaw joint sounds to detect any abnormalities. Additionally, x-rays of the jaw may be taken to help evaluate the condition and positioning of the joint.

With all of this information, Dr. Miller can now get an accurate diagnosis to see whether reported symptoms are caused by the TMJ. You now have an accurate diagnosis - one that you can see, understand and explain.

No matter whether you have been diagnosed with TMJ in the past, or are just experiencing symptoms, contact Dr. Miller today to get a thorough diagnosis and to discuss your treatment plan options. Nothing can justify continuing to live with symptoms: seek a diagnosis and find out your treatment options. Your initial consultation with Dr. Miller is complimentary -- contact us today to schedule yours.

What Are Effective TMJ Treatment Options?

Dr. Miller will first measure the most relaxed position of your jaw to determine the goal for normal jaw positioning. Then he works to realign the bite and restore the teeth in order for the jaw and joints to be in their optimal position.

Once the bite is realigned and the jaw is in place, pain that resulted from the imbalance disappears. Find out more about TMJ treatment here.