TMJ problems Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) damage the joint that links your skull and jaw. This joint's bones are separated by a disc, which allows it to move freely. You may have discomfort and other symptoms on one or both sides of your jaw if the disc gets misplaced or the joint is injured. The muscles of your face pull the disc against the bone of your skull and your jaw in order to move them. If these muscles aren't working properly, it can lead to TMJ pain. Also, if you wear your retainer incorrectly or for too long, it can cause pain by putting pressure on the disk. If you wear your retainer incorrectly, it can cause pain by putting pressure on the disk. The most common cause of TMJ pain is chewing food that's too hard for your mouth to handle. As we age, our teeth change shape, becoming longer and narrower. This changes the way we bite and can put extra stress on certain joints. The same thing happens with teeth implants; therefore, they too can cause pain. Pain from TMJ disorders can be felt in the face, head, neck, and back. It can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the shoulders, back, arms, and hands. There are two types of TMJ disorders: painful dysfunction (also called clinical syndrome) and non-painful dysfunction.