I’ve forgotten how to bite normally (?!)

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ortho218

Platinum Member
Looking for thoughts here but not expecting actual medical diagnosis or anything, please just chip in if you’re reading this!

For years I have had a small amount of aching in my jaw where it connects to the sides of my face. I am aware of course that this is the classic ‘tmj’ area but I don’t think I really have actual tmjd, it’s generally a low level ache that comes and goes. I have a little tinnitus on one side which probably isn’t related either (?) and I have mentioned this to my dentist in the past but they never seem too interested.

Anyway. As a result I have tried different ways of biting to see if I can relax my jaw more. If I FULLY relax my jaw and then slowly bite together then my front teeth meet together, back teeth don’t touch at all and my midline is off maybe 2 or 3 mm. But I don’t ‘normally’ bite like that, like if I’m eating my jaw is in a much more normal bite with back teeth meeting, a normal amount of overbite and midline is maybe 1mm off. But holding my jaw like that or chewing sometimes feels tense or more achey in my ‘tmj’ area.

I guess I’m asking is this normal? When ‘normal’ people relax your jaw is it just in the same position as when you bite/chew/etc? Again not looking for a medical diagnosis just some thoughts and opinions really!
 
Its very interesting when you explain it like that because I would say I am exactly the same.

I always feel that I have to bring my jaw back too far to make my back teeth meet. This is then a slightly uncomfortable position which doesnt feel right at the joint.

If I just consciously relax my jaw, only my front teeth meet, with the bottom ones perhaps just a fraction behind the top ones.

Also I have spells of a few weeks at a time when I find myself involuntarily clenching my back teeth to the left or right and making the joint creak/crack. I suddenly realise I am doing it several times a minute but I am generally unaware at the time so I cant really stop myself and I suspect it doesnt do the joint much good.

As some may know, I have a full top plate simply by choice, but in all seriousness, biting is more comfortable with it in as my jaw is not forced to move back in the way you describe. (Bottom teeth touch plate and are not pushed backwards by back of top teeth....if you see what I mean.)
Back teeth never really quite come together with it in but thats never seemed an issue with chewing.
Also it stops me unconsciously causing the joint to click.


 
retained said:
Its very interesting when you explain it like that because I would say I am exactly the same.

I always feel that I have to bring my jaw back too far to make my back teeth meet. This is then a slightly uncomfortable position which doesnt feel right at the joint.

If I just consciously relax my jaw, only my front teeth meet, with the bottom ones perhaps just a fraction behind the top ones.
Click to expand...

Yes! This sounds like exactly the same description as what I feel! Which makes me wonder if other people have the same then maybe its just common and normal?! And maybe I’m just overthinking the whole thing. Especially because I don’t get any clicking and stuff that you describe which is one of the classic tmjd indicators (I can make it click by moving my jaw from side to side but thats just normal as well I guess, it doesn’t click with normal biting).

My teeth aren’t perfectly straight, especially my lowers, but I’ve never really had a proper assessment for anything. I’ll mention it again at my next dentist checkup, just curious more than anything else!

 
For a long time I think I have known the reason in my case....
My bottom teeth are a little overcrowded. There is one almost in the centre which has always been slightly sideways and slightly back as it doesnt have space.
That means that overall my bottom teeth lean out slightly.
That then means that my bottom jaw has to move back as the lower teeth have to go behind the top ones.
I have never mentioned this to the dentist or anyone but I think if that one tooth were removed, the others would be able to lean back a little more and the problem would be less.
Perhaps it would need lower braces to achieve that or a bottom removable ?
I would like / enjoy that, and it would be for real but I am probably way too old and they would probably not consider it now.
 
Interesting, you have clearly thought it through! I do wonder though if you went to get an assessment the ortho might find other issues to address too… sometimes when you see things on people’s social media they say they went to get one minor thing looked at and the ortho finds all kinds of other things to address which the patient had no idea about. The ortho is the expert after all! Would encourage you to go get an assessment if it’s bothering you at all or wven if you’re hust curious… it’s private and often free!

My lower teeth are also a little crowded, a couple are rotated maybe as much as 45 degrees ish. I did one video call consultation out of interest and submitted photos, they said they would treat it with aligners but it was considered ’mild’. However they also talked about widening both upper and lower arches too which was slightly a surprise to me.
In any case if I were to get this looked at I would want to go in-person of course, as I believe there is more chance of identifying and addressing any other underlying issues like the jaw/bite stuff, rather than just focusing on aligning my wonky ones.

I gave you that advice to get an assessment up there but I do agree it’s not the easiest appointment to book… I’m 37 married with kids and I totally get there is still a slight awkwardness about setting it all in motion…!
 
I can only share what I’ve learned from my own experiences of late.
As many of you know, I’ve struggled with TMJD over the last few years. There is a muscular component as well as a disc component, but they are related. Since you are saying you don’t think it’s in the actual joint and probably not related to the disc, it appears to be a muscle issue.
That being the case, heat and firm massage will be your best friend- and worst enemy. You’ve got to really dig into all the knots in your jaw muscles, temples and occipital. They are all related. Advil will give some relief as well. Stretching your jaw muscles will also help. I found one side of my jaw was tighter than the other and really focused on evening them out. I gently stretch my opening and side to side. I also do clockwise and counterclockwise circles with my jaw. I stop if it hurts or feels anything more than a slight pull. These helped me, but I stilled needed Botox to get any significant relief.
If none of these things help , you may need to find a specialist beyond your dentist. Not all dentists treat TMJ issues which may be why your dentist hasn’t addressed your concerns. I wish you the best with this as I know how miserable it can be. Please keep us posted on your progress
 
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