← All explanationsTemporomandibular joint (TMJ)

How does the lower jaw move?

The two temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull, one in front of each ear. Together with muscles and a joint disc, they allow the jaw to open, close and move. The term describes anatomy, not a disease.

For dental trainees & teams

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One joint in front of each ear

Both temporomandibular joints work together whenever the jaw moves. A joint disc lies between the bony parts of each joint.

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Structures working together

The joints and chewing muscles enable the lower jaw to open, close and move. Several structures work together.

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A sound is not a diagnosis

Painless clicking alone does not automatically need treatment. Pain, locking or restricted movement should be assessed.

Watch the short film Download infographic (German)

At a glance

Where are the joints?

On the right and left in front of the ears, between the lower jaw and skull.

What do they do?

Together with muscles, they allow the jaw to open, close and move.

When is examination useful?

With pain, locking, altered or restricted movement. A sound alone is not a diagnosis.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.

Short film (German): How does the lower jaw move?

Open the short film directly: Landscape film (MP4, German) · Portrait film (MP4, German)

Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above

Often confused

TMJ or TMD?

The joint is part of normal anatomy. TMD describes a group of disorders that can affect the joints and/or chewing muscles.

Quick answers

Is TMJ the same as TMD?

No. TMJ is an anatomical structure. TMD covers different symptoms and functional disorders in the jaw area.

Does every click need treatment?

Not automatically. Pain, locking or restricted movement are particular reasons for examination.

Can the sound reveal the cause?

Not reliably. History, symptoms and functional findings need to be considered together.

At the practice

For your consultation

A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Which findings suggest that my symptoms involve the joint or muscles?

At the practice, the findings, personal wishes and possible next steps are discussed through a consultation and examination.

An examination can help clarify jaw pain or restricted movement.

Have jaw symptoms assessedChoose an appointment on Doctolib

Meet Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour

Learning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge

Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.

Mandible: The lower jaw.
Disc: The fibrous joint disc between the bony joint components.
Chewing muscles: Muscles that enable and control jaw movements.

Know the difference

A joint sound alone reveals neither the precise cause nor whether treatment is required.

Knowledge questionWhich statement is correct?

This question supports learning. It does not assess personal symptoms.

TMJ describes a structure; TMD describes a group of disorders.
Every painless click proves a serious disease.
There is only one jaw joint in the middle of the lower jaw.

Show answer and explanation

TMJ describes a structure; TMD describes a group of disorders.

Two joints are part of normal anatomy. Symptoms and functional disorders are assessed separately.

Sources for further learning

Sources and context

Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.