TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorders can affect the jaw joint, jaw muscles, and surrounding tissues, and may be associated with symptoms such as jaw discomfort, clicking sounds, difficulty chewing, and headaches.

What Are TMJ Disorders?
The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull and allows movements involved in chewing, speaking, and yawning. TMJ disorders include a range of conditions affecting this joint and its associated structures.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction may involve the joint, surrounding muscles, ligaments, and nerves, and can be associated with jaw discomfort, restricted jaw movement, clicking sounds, and muscle stiffness.
Myofascial pain may involve trigger points in the jaw, face, and neck muscles, contributing to localised discomfort and muscle dysfunction.
Bruxism, or involuntary teeth grinding or clenching, often during sleep, can place strain on the jaw joint and facial muscles and may contribute to TMJ-related symptoms.

Causes of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders may arise from a range of contributing factors.
Jaw trauma, including a blow to the face or whiplash, may affect the temporomandibular joint.
Dental factors such as malocclusion, missing teeth, or poorly fitting dental restorations may influence jaw function.
Muscle tension related to stress, anxiety, recreational drug use, or habits such as teeth grinding may place ongoing strain on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
Arthritic change, including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, may affect the joint and contribute to inflammation and discomfort.
Some individuals may also have a genetic predisposition to TMJ disorders.

How TMJ Disorders May Affect Daily Function
TMJ disorders may affect oral function, comfort, and day-to-day activities.
Jaw discomfort may interfere with speaking, chewing, and other routine activities.
Restricted jaw movement may make it difficult to open or close the mouth fully, which can affect eating and oral hygiene.
Headaches may occur alongside TMJ disorders in some individuals.
In some cases, ongoing overactivity or enlargement of the jaw muscles may contribute to changes in lower face shape or facial asymmetry.

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders
Treatment options depend on the cause and severity of symptoms. A personalised treatment plan is developed following assessment.
For some patients, muscle-relaxing prescription treatment may be used to reduce overactivity in the masseter muscles. This approach may assist in managing jaw clenching and muscle tension and, in some cases, may also reduce muscle bulk over time.
Other treatment pathways may be appropriate depending on the underlying issue. These can include dental assessment, bite splints, physiotherapy, stress management strategies, and referral where indicated.

Potential Outcomes and Considerations
Where clinically appropriate, treatment directed at the masseter muscles may assist in reducing muscle tension and jaw clenching.
Some patients may notice a change in lower face width over time where enlarged masseter muscles are contributing to facial shape.
Treatment is performed in clinic, and recovery and response vary between individuals.
The effects of treatment are temporary, and ongoing management may be discussed during consultation where appropriate.

Why Choose Beauty by Doctor for TMJ Assessment and Treatment?
At Beauty by Doctor, treatment suitability is assessed on an individual basis. Dr Phoebe Jones and the BBD team are experienced in facial anatomy and injectable treatments.
Treatment plans are tailored to the patient's history, symptoms, examination findings, and treatment goals.
From consultation through to follow-up, our team provides ongoing care and clinical guidance as appropriate.
Beauty by Doctor is located in Bondi Junction in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and offers consultation-based assessment for patients seeking advice regarding TMJ-related concerns.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with TMJ dysfunction, book a consultation for assessment and discussion of appropriate treatment options.

Suitability for treatment is determined during consultation. All medical and cosmetic procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. While complications are uncommon, it is important that potential risks, including rare adverse events, are understood. For more information, please refer to our Treatment Complications page: https://beautybydoctor.com/pages/concerns/treatment-complications