The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, functioning like a sliding hinge. This joint allows for movements such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. Dentures are removable oral appliances that replace missing teeth, restoring oral health, function, and appearance. Dentures can sometimes contribute to TMJ issues.
How Dentures Influence Jaw Health
Dentures can impact jaw health in several ways, potentially leading to temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Improperly fitting dentures can exert excessive, uneven pressure on the TMJ. This misalignment forces the jaw to shift, disrupting its natural mechanics.
Occlusion, or how the upper and lower teeth meet, is another factor. An incorrect bite caused by dentures creates imbalanced pressure across the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles. If dentures do not adequately restore the correct vertical dimension—the proper distance between the upper and lower jaws—it can place significant strain on the TMJ.
The jaw muscles can also experience strain and fatigue. These muscles work to stabilize ill-fitting dentures or to compensate for a misaligned bite, which can result in overuse and soreness. Over time, the continuous effort to adjust to a problematic bite can contribute to chronic muscle tension and pain.
Changes in jawbone structure, known as bone resorption, complicate the long-term fit of dentures. As the jawbone naturally changes and shrinks over time, dentures that once fit well can become loose. This ongoing bone loss can alter the jaw’s alignment and contribute to TMJ issues. Removing dentures at night can leave the jaw improperly positioned, potentially leading to teeth grinding (bruxism) and TMJ disorder development.
Recognizing Signs of TMJ Issues
Individuals experiencing TMJ issues may notice a range of symptoms. Pain or tenderness around the jaw is a common indicator, often felt near the ear, across the face, or extending into the neck. This discomfort can be persistent or may intensify with jaw movement.
Another common sign involves sounds from the jaw, such as clicking, popping, or grinding noises, particularly when opening or closing the mouth. These sounds often accompany a sensation of the jaw joint not moving smoothly. Difficulties with everyday actions like chewing, speaking, or opening the mouth wide can also signal TMJ problems.
In some instances, the jaw may feel stiff or sore, especially upon waking, or it might lock in either an open or closed position. Beyond localized jaw symptoms, TMJ disorders can manifest as headaches, earaches, or a ringing sensation in the ears, known as tinnitus. These broader symptoms can sometimes make it challenging to initially connect the discomfort to the jaw joint.
Diagnosis and Management
If you suspect your dentures are contributing to TMJ issues, seeking professional dental attention is an important first step. A dentist or oral surgeon can evaluate your condition and determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Sometimes, simply removing your dentures for a day or two and observing if symptoms resolve can provide an initial indication that they are a contributing factor.
The diagnostic process typically involves a physical examination of the jaw and surrounding areas. The professional will assess jaw movement, listen for sounds, and palpate muscles for tenderness. Based on the assessment, various management strategies can be recommended.
For denture-related TMJ problems, common solutions include adjusting or relining existing dentures to improve their fit. Fabricating new, properly fitting dentures may be necessary to correct bite discrepancies and alleviate strain on the joint. Specialized options, like neuromuscular dentures, are designed to better support jaw muscles and optimize the bite. Dental implants can also offer a stable, long-term solution that helps preserve jawbone and reduce pressure on the TMJ. Beyond denture adjustments, conservative treatments can provide relief, including pain management (such as over-the-counter medication or hot/cold compresses), physical therapy for jaw exercises, and the use of custom-made night guards to maintain proper jaw alignment and absorb clenching forces.
Minimizing Risk
Proactive measures can prevent or reduce the likelihood of developing denture-related TMJ issues. Regular dental check-ups and follow-up appointments are important for assessing denture fit and ensuring necessary adjustments are made. These routine visits allow your dentist to identify potential problems before they escalate.
Proper denture care, including daily cleaning and appropriate storage, helps maintain their integrity and fit over time. Adhering to your dentist’s recommendations for timely adjustments or replacements is important, as dentures typically need relining or replacement every 7 to 10 years due to natural changes in the mouth. Addressing ongoing jawbone changes is important, as bone resorption can significantly impact denture stability.
Choosing a dentist experienced in fitting dentures can reduce the risk of future TMJ complications. Communicating any discomfort or changes in denture fit to your dentist promptly allows for early intervention. Avoiding habits like chewing on hard foods can minimize stress on the jaw joint. Practicing good overall oral hygiene contributes to the health of your gums and remaining oral structures. Being mindful of your jaw’s resting position and avoiding unconscious clenching or grinding can protect the TMJ.