Tmj, due to stress, narrow arch or braces?

Possible.: Mostly due to muscle facial pain, dislocation of tm joint, osteoarthritis. Some belief maloclusion is a cause. Try joint rest (avoid excessive mastication), physical therapy (open & close in straight line), stress management, bite guards. Motrin. Otherwise, consult oral surgery.

Yes and no: Tmj is associated with previous orthodontics. Often, narrow arches must be expanded to provide adequate space for the tongue. The bite must be relaxed in all dimensions. Best approach is to find the comfortable relaxed position and then consider the best way to transfer that position to the teeth permanently.

Possible to all: Tmj/tmd can by stress (grinding and clenching of teeth, can change the bite, which can lead to inflamed and overstressed facial muscles and then jaw joints out of alignment, ) a narrow arch can create a poor tooth alignment and a poor bite. Orthodontics can create some tmj/tmd, but most orthodontists, these days, are aware of the tmd element in moving the dentition for braces.

Could be either: Complex question. Many causes. Can be multifactorial. See an oral surgeon for expert advice.

TMJ syndrome: related pain and symptoms may be caused by physical and emotional stress. Bruxism or teeth may be also caused by stress or anxiety. However, there is overwhelming evidence that braces generally do not increase the risk of developing TMJ problems. See OFP specialist for diagnosis and treatment.