Welcome to The TMJ Association!

We're glad you're here. You're not alone.

The TMJ Association, Ltd. (TMJA) is a nonprofit, patient advocacy organization whose mission is to improve the quality of health care and lives of everyone affected by Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). For over 25 years we have shared reliable information on TMD with people like you and invite you to read our website.

Terrie Cowley - President and Co-Founder

Think You May Have Temporomandibular Disorders?

1) FIRST, try eating soft foods, using ice packs, and avoiding extreme jaw movements, like yawning and gum chewing. Short-term use of over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines may also provide relief.

2) AVOID treatments that cause permanent changes in the bite or jaw. This includes crown work, bridge work or orthodontics to change the bite, grinding down teeth (bite adjustment), or repositioning splints.

3) AVOID surgical treatment, where possible. There have been no long-term studies to test the safety and effectiveness of these procedures.

The TMJ Association is the only organization fighting for the best science that will lead to a greater understanding of Temporomandibular Disorders and safe and effective treatments. As a nonprofit, 501(c)3 patient advocacy organization, we rely solely on the generous donations from people like you to fund vital TMD research and awareness efforts. Make a tax-deductible contribution today! For additional ways you can help, click here.

If you purchase items from Amazon, YOU can help raise money for The TMJ Association with every purchase. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The TMJ Association. It's like regular Amazon but with the wonderful opportunity to help raise money for your TMJA. Click here to get started. Happy shopping!

Katherine's Story

I was diagnosed with TMD over 15 years ago. I was only in the 8th grade and really didn't know what was going on, except that my jaw sometimes locked open and popped or cracked if I chewed gum for a long time. There wasn't a lot of pain. The pain didn't start to get bad until I was in graduate school in 2007. Maybe it was the stress of grad school that exacerbated the symptoms or maybe it was just a coincidence; I'll never know.
This is my story.

YOUR TMJ Association’s Impact in 2014

We wish you and your family a joyous holiday season and healthy year ahead. Year's end is the time we reflect upon the past and look to the future. We are grateful for your moral and financial support that resulted in several impressive accomplishments in 2014.

Only YOU can make TMD one of 20 selected diseases!

We need YOU! Only YOU can make Temporomandibular Disorders one of the 20 diseases to be selected by the Food and Drug Administration for a patient-focused meeting! Deadline: December 5, 2014

TMJA's Seventh Scientific Meeting

On September 7-9, 2014 in Bethesda, Maryland, scientists, clinicians, and patients took part in our Seventh Scientific Meeting, Genetic, Epigenetic, and Mechanistic Studies of Temporomandibular Disorders and Overlapping Pain Conditions.

Support TMJ Advocacy

The TMJ Association is the only patient advocacy organization fighting for the best science that will lead to greater understanding of Temporomandibular and related disorders and safe and effective treatments. We need YOUR help in these efforts. Pleas

FDA Recall Alert: DePuy Synthes Craniomaxillofacial Distraction System

The DePuy Synthes Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) Distraction System is an implant used to lengthen and/or stabilize the lower jawbone (mandibular body) and the side of the lower jaw (ramus). This device is used in pediatric and adult patients to correct birth (congenital) or post-traumatic defects of the jaw by gradually lengthening the bone (distraction).

Who is affected by TMJ disorders (TMD)? What are the causes, symptoms, and treatments? How are they diagnosed? Find answers to all your TMD questions.