Why are tmj and malocclusion different?

They are Related: Malocclusion describes the way the teeth relate to each other, without regard for how that might effect the joint. Tmj disorders refer to the joint and related structures without regard to the teeth. Since the teeth, joints and muscles are all related to each other in structure and function, in health and disease, it is short sighted to attempt to manage one without considering the other.

Joints vs. teeth.: Malocclusion is simply misaligned teeth. The misalignment may createa traumatic bite or it may not. A traumatic bite may cause problems with the jaw joint (TMJ) or not, but TMJ typically will have malocclusion as one of its causative factors.

Different structures: The TMJ is the jaw joint and malocclusion is related to how the teeth fit together. It used to be believed that someone with a malocclusion will develop TMJ symptoms. Over the last 10 years more and more research is indicating that malocclusion is playing less of a role in TMJ pain or disfunction than originally thought.

For same reason...: For same reason sprained knee and flat feet are different. Tmj, the temporomandibular joint is the connection between the upper and lower jaws. Malocclusion is a problematic spatial relationship between teeth and/or jaws. Malocclusions may e causative of TMJ dysfunction. See an orthodontist.

Totally different: One deals with a joint on the side of your jaw, the other with your overall bite. Most patients with malocclusions do not have TMJ issues and many people with TMJ troubles have good or perfect bites.

Different terms: TMJ refers to problems related to the jaw joint. Malocclusion is a disorder of the bite. The two may be related but are not the same thing.

Completely Different: The way your teeth fit together is called occlusion. TMJ (Dysfunction) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint (TMJ), and surrounding muscles.