What makes your jaw click?

Movable disc: There is a disc in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that separates the lower jaw from the socket in the skull. If the disc or its ligaments are injured or stretched, the disc can 'pop' out of position during opening or closing. This makes a 'clicking' sound when it occurs. A dentist can evaluate this problem and possibly correct it.

Imbalanced TMJ: This type of imbalance is very unstable and may or may not have some of the other symptoms associated with it. An unstable TMJ or hypermobile jaw can yield to a variety of bite issues that in time not only cause discomfort, but contributes to the advanced wearing down of teeth. See a prosthodontist to help determine if this is a muscle issue or joint issue.

Soft tissue: Soft tissue displacement in the joint often results in clicking.

Displaced disk: Displaced disk jaw joint. If not other symptoms, not a problem, If accompanied by clenching/grinding, see dentist for splint.