Prolonged use of ill-fitting and misaligned dentures can lead to problems with the tempromandibular ( TM ) Joint.

Symptoms of TM joint dysfunction include:

• Popping and/or grating sounds associated with any type of jaw movement.
• Headaches, earaches and/or a limited range of jaw movement.
• Chronic stiffness or pain in neck, shoulders, back or jaw.

In most cases damage to the TMJ is not reversible, but with early detection and proper management of the problem; the possibility of further damage can be reduced.