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What Is TMD?

Home » Blog » What Is TMD?

When it comes to problems with the jaw and the facial muscles, one of the most common causes is temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. The condition is a broad term to describe the jaw pain and dysfunction that happens when something is structurally off with the hinging joint itself, a problem with the muscles that support it, or both. The muscles and joints of the jaws are so complex and full of nerve endings that when something goes wrong, it can cause symptoms from mild to acute. So what exactly is TMD, and what treatments are available? What does it have to do with orthodontics? But what exactly is it? What treatments are available? And how does this relate to orthodontics? We’re going to break it down for you below, so keep reading to find out more.

What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?

Although the two abbreviations are used interchangeably all the time, TMJ is not actually a disease or illness. It stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge points that connects our jaw bones to our head. These are located directly in front of the ears, and give us the ability to speak and chew our food. The TMJ is incredibly mobile, and it rotates, glides, and acts as a powerful hinge all at once. This joint is surrounded by a number of complex protectors like tendons, muscles, and joint pads, and most of the time, all these components work well together. However, if they get thrown off course for any reason, it can lead to pain, popping, and inflammation. This is where TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, can come into play. This frustrating, and sometimes painful, set of conditions can be especially problematic when you consider that the TMJ is one of the joints our bodies use most often.

The symptoms and signs of TMD

Every case of TMD is different. Some people will experience only mild symptoms popping up sporadically, and others will have serious symptoms that take years to resolve. Some of the most common signs of TMD are:

  • pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint, neck, and shoulders
  • pain in or around the ear when chewing, speaking, or opening the mouth wide
  • difficulty opening the mouth wide
  • jaws that get stuck or locked in an open- or closed-mouth position
  • popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth
  • popping, grating, or other sounds in the jaw when chewing
  • face feeling “tired”
  • difficulty chewing
  • feeling as though your upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
  • swelling on the side of your face
  • ringing or stuffy ears

The symptoms of TMD can be similar to other common dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, as well as medical conditions such as arthritis. For a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it’s essential you have a thorough examination by an experienced dental and orthodontic professional like Dr. Craig and Dr. Streight.

teeth mold

What are the causes of TMD?

TMD symptoms arise from a problem with the muscles of your jaw, or with the parts of the joint itself. While injury to your jaw, the joint, or the muscles of your head and neck is an obvious cause of TMD, other factors can include things like:

  • grinding or clenching your teeth, as this puts extra pressure on the joint
  • movement of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket of the joint
  • arthritis in the TMJ
  • stress, which can tighten your facial and jaw muscles, or cause you to clench the teeth

An untreated bad bite or misaligned jaw can also put undue stress on the sensitive, connected components of the TMJ, resulting in chronic shooting pain that may be felt throughout the face, neck, shoulders, back, and arms, among other symptoms.

How is TMD diagnosed?

Using innovative techniques and state-of-the-art technology, our doctors will generally be able to pinpoint the source of TMD. In order to present a patient with an accurate diagnosis of TMD, Dr. Craig and Dr. Streight will measure aspects of the teeth and jaw, determine the jaw’s proper resting position, and map the movement of the jaw during speaking and eating. Finding the source of the TMD and having a proper diagnosis provides our team with the foundation needed to create a customized treatment plan.

What are the treatment options for TMD?

Many people with TMD have relatively mild symptoms that only appear periodically and often improve on their own within a few weeks or months. Eating soft foods, applying ice or moist heat, and avoiding extreme jaw movements like wide yawning and gum chewing are helpful in easing these types of symptoms.

Conservative, reversible treatments are preferred whenever possible, as they don’t invade the tissues of the face, jaw, or joint, or involve surgery. These treatments shouldn’t produce any permanent changes in the structure or position of the jaw or teeth. Even if TMD symptoms become more persistent, most patients still won’t need more aggressive types of treatment.

An example of this kind of conservative treatment is splints or night guards. These plastic mouthpieces fit over the upper and lower teeth to keep them from touching, and wearing one of these can lessen the effects of clenching or grinding. They can also help correct the bite by putting teeth in a more desirable position.

For more troublesome cases of TMD, missing teeth may need to be replaced, and crowns and bridges may be used to balance the biting surfaces of the teeth. For patients who require more complex bite correction, orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign may be required. If left untreated, TMD can lead to inflammation, swelling, and chronic pain. It can also contribute to progressive dental problems, such as premature tooth wear and periodontal disease. For this reason, we encourage anyone with TMD symptoms to get in touch with an experienced dentist or orthodontist like Dr. Craig and Dr. Streight to schedule a thorough examination.

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TMD diagnosis and treatment with Craig & Streight Orthodontics

Whether you have symptoms of TMD yourself, suspect it in a loved one, or simply wish to learn more about TMD diagnosis and treatment, get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation. We’re on the front line when it comes to providing first-class oral and orthodontic care!

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Hilary D.
Patient & kind staff. My kids were stoked to get t-shirts & play games while waiting.
Michelle B.
Such great staff and extremely attentive to making sure my treatment is effective. Love coming in!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Michelle! We're thrilled to hear that our staff has made a positive impact on your treatment experience. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit!
Rachel A.
We have been seeing Dr. Craig and Dr. Streight for about 18 months. They were recommended to us by several others, as well as our dentist. We have had a very positive experience. We are hopefully almost done, and our next child is starting to see them now as well. We are confident he is in good hands.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star review!
Mike C.
Did us a solid job. We agreed on a price and they held up their end. No complaints.
Response from the owner:Hey Mike. Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we appreciate your support!
Vanessa Monik R.
First, I am extremely thankful and happy with the customer service here at Craig & Streight orthodontics! After going to a total of 3 different Orthos, I decided CSO was perfect for my needs. I was able to get my braces on same day and they tailored a payment schedule to my budget. Kari and Ryan listened to me and answered all my questions. Thank you everyone! A BIG Thank you to the gal that applied my braces. I look forward to this journey with CSO!
Response from the owner:Hi Vanessa. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to meet your needs and make your journey with braces a positive one. Your kind words about Kari, Ryan, and our staff mean a lot to us. We’re excited to support you every step of the way!
Alyssa C.
My kids and I had a great experience! The staff was informative, the new technology was impressive, and the pricing was very reasonable. We were in and out quickly with a same-day consultation, and they were able to start the services my son needed right away. Plus, the fun arcade games kept the kids entertained while we waited. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Hi Alyssa. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids enjoyed your visit and found our staff informative and our technology impressive. It's great to know that the quick service and entertainment options made your time with us enjoyable. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back!
Jen K.
They are always encouraging and give her such positive feedback each time my daughter scans for her invisaline. Every step of the process has been excellent
Response from the owner:Hi Jen. Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that your daughter is receiving such positive encouragement throughout her Invisalign journey. We’re dedicated to making every step a great one, and your feedback truly motivates us to keep up the good work!
Susn J.
The best Orthodontist office you’ll ever find. Everyone goes above and beyond to help! Can’t imagine going anywhere else! The kids love going!
Response from the owner:Hi Susan. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids have such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels supported. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care!
Rachel D.
We went in for a consultation after a horrible consultation with another orthodontist and let me say Dr. Craig and her staff are absolutely AMAZING!! My daughter was super hesitant after the previous encounter with the other orthodontist but the staff here at Craig and Streight are top notch! They immediately eased my daughter's mind with their kindness! Went in for a consultation walked out with braces and a great office to take care of her dental needs! Thank you!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Rachel. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Craig and our team were able to provide such a positive and reassuring environment for your daughter. It's wonderful to know that we could help ease her concerns and support her dental journey. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to care for your family's needs!
kammy B.
Very kind very observant always asking and answering questions best dentist visit I’ve had by far
Response from the owner:Hi Kammy. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team made your visit so positive and engaging.
Jennifer M.
I’m on the Invisalign journey and 11 weeks in. The staff has been great on keeping me informed about my treatment. No matter your treatment plan - you can’t go wrong with this amazing team!
Response from the owner:Hi Jennifer. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team has been supportive and informative during your Invisalign journey. Your positive feedback motivates us to continue providing exceptional care. If you have any further thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out!
Jaycie J.
Dr.Craig did me and my sister braces many many moons ago (over 10+) and here I am now with my child getting his done by her. Her staff makes him feel comfortable and is always so professional. We love it here.
Response from the owner:Hi Jaycie. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! It’s heartwarming to see families returning for care over the years. We’re delighted to hear that Dr. Craig and the team continue to provide a comfortable and professional environment for you and your child. Your trust in us means a lot, and we look forward to creating more beautiful smiles together!
Kristi B.
I can’t say enough great things about my experience! From the moment I called to schedule, I felt welcomed and at ease. The staff is incredibly friendly, professional, and efficient — you can tell they genuinely care about their patients.

Dr. Craig took the time to explain every step of the process, answered all my questions, and made me feel totally comfortable throughout the consultation. The entire team’s attention to detail and commitment to providing top-notch care is truly impressive.

The office itself is modern, clean, and equipped with the latest technology, which made everything from x-rays to treatment planning seamless and quick. I was extremely impressed at how smooth the entire experience was.

If you're looking for an orthodontist who combines expertise, kindness, and a passion for creating beautiful smiles, look no further. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Hi Kristi. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! It’s heartening to hear that our team made you feel welcomed and comfortable from the very start. We take great pride in our commitment to patient care and are thrilled that you found our office modern and efficient. Your kind words about Dr. Craig and the staff truly inspire us to continue providing exceptional service. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again!
A Google U.
Each visit we experienced happy, efficient staff that took care of our boy!
Response from the owner:Hi Mindy. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team made each visit enjoyable and efficient for you and your son. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing excellent care.
Michael G.
They done a good job on helping my son get his teeth straight he got them off and they look pretty good
Response from the owner:Hi Michael. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your son’s teeth look great after his treatment. We appreciate your support!

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706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

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1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

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Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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