Can TMJ Disorder Affect How you Look?

tmjRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) can be debilitating and frustrating. Ranging from toothaches to daily headaches and ringing ears, the manifestations of TMJ disorder are unending. Additionally, TMJ disorder can manifest into wide-spread pain throughout the face, head, and neck. In today’s blog post, our Royal Oak TMJ dentist, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, uncovers one of the less-discussed effects of TMJ disorder, explains how the condition distorts the face, and how she can help.

How does TMJ disorder sneak its way into your facial appearance?

It all begins with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint between the jawbone and the skull at the sides of your head. When this joint is overstressed, it leads to a chain reaction affecting the surrounding muscles and soft tissues. If TMJ disorder is not properly dealt with it will not only affect the jaw but pain branches out to various parts of the face, head, and even the spine.

What are some ways TMJ disorder can alter your appearance?

From the painful feelings to the facial changes, every patient who has endured TMJ can be subjected to different results. But our Birmingham area TMJ dentist offers a short list of the possible effects if you choose to neglect TMJ.

  • Tooth wear: As the teeth grind against each other due to an uneven bite, teeth can wear down, making the face slant when the mouth is closed. It may even turn out to be visually prominent and cause a jaw mismatch that contributes to an improper bite.
  • Joint displacement: In very bad cases, the entire jaw becomes displaced due to the joint discs breaking down. Unfortunately, this may lead to asymmetrical jaw movement when chewing or when opening and closing the mouth and affecting the facial muscles.
  • Bone irregularity: It should be noted that TMJ disorder leads to unequal elongation of the lower jaw and therefore if one side of the jawbone is shorter, it will show on the face. The condition is usually blamed on wear and tear on the condyle, the rounded part of the jaw that articulates with the skull.
  • Overdeveloped muscles: TMJ disorder can make your jaw go out of whack, and to make up for the misfire, the muscles in your jaw will overwork. It may result in an increase in the size of the jaw muscles on the favored side as compared to the other, thus leading to facial changes.
  • Spinal imbalance: The effects of the TMJ disorder are not limited to the jaw. Your neck, shoulders, and spine may also be affected as the condition goes untreated. Unfortunately, TMJ pain may lead to poor posture, which causes neck and back pain. Poor posture is evident by looking at someone. You may notice that their back is hunched over or they carry their head in a more forward position that looks irregular.

TMJ Dentist in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

Naturally, facial changes can be difficult manage without a proper diagnosis. However, it’s important to note that there is a TMJ dentist in Royal Oak, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, who is a caring specialist focusing on comprehensive TMJ treatment solutions. Our goal is to help you achieve a harmonious bite and a bite that is comfortable, without TMJ symptoms. When we combine a detailed assessment with a tailored approach to your TMJ condition, we can develop a treatment plan to help you overcome the disorder and feel confident again. For more information or to make an appointment to restore your smile’s comfort and confidence call Hartrick Dentistry at (248) 549-0950 today.

Posted in TMJ