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The jaw joint located near the ears are called “temporo-mandibular joints” (TMJ). This joint is the most complex of the human body, comprising two joints (right and left) which must function in harmony, in 3 dimensions and with a certain synchronism.
Certain persons have very sensitive jaw joints that can be affected by even the slightest irregularities and imperfections in their bite (occlusion). Some may suffer from limited jaw opening, others from cracking/popping or clicking noises accompanied by pain in their TMJs. One or many of these symptoms may exist before orthodontic treatment or may appear during or after treatment. This condition is also present in the general population who never underwent orthodontics. Correcting dental malpositions can often improve TMJ function but no guaranty can be given that TMJ symptoms will improve or be eliminated with orthodontics. For different reasons, certain symptoms, such as clicking noises, may persist or even appear during treatment even if orthodontics is not the causative factor.
