Diagnosing the condition of the Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ) begins with a clinical examination and Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA).

A very simple principle
Bio-JVA,  Joint Vibration Analysis is based on simple principles of motion and friction: When smooth surfaces rub together, little friction is created…and little vibration. If these surfaces become rough, then friction and vibration are created when these surfaces move against one another.

BioJVA™ Fast and Accurate

JVA provides a fast, non-invasive, and repeatable measurement of TMJ function to aid in your diagnosis of TMJ problem. Understanding TMJ function is vital.  Common treatments that change jaw positioning such as TMJ treatment, orthodontics, crowns and bridges, full reconstruction and treating sleep apnea in dentistry can all benefit from JVA testing.

How it works
Human joints have surfaces which rub together in function. Smooth, well lubricated surfaces in a proper biomechanical relationship produce little friction and little vibration. But surface changes, such as those caused by degeneration, tears, or displacements of the jaw joint, generally produce friction and vibration. Different disorders  produce different vibration patterns or “signatures”. Computer-assisted vibration analysis helps identify these patterns and helps  distinguish among various TMJ disorders.

Recorded by a staff member, read by  Dr. Chu
A JVA recording only takes 60 seconds of your time and is totally painless. And in less than 10 minutes, Dr. Chu  interprets the data and makes a diagnosis of your condition. Next, Dr. Chu will discuss your condition and treatment options.

Listed below are stages of TMJ Dysfunction:

____ Myospasm (Myofacial Pain) – jaw and facial muscle pain and/or spasms

____ Stage I – Internal Derangement with Reduction – clicking, no pain or sometimes slight pain,

                      sometimes jaw deviates upon opening and/or closing

____ Stage II – Internal Derangement with Reduction – more clicking, intermittent locking,

                     sometimes jaw deviates upon opening and/or closing, sometimes mild to moderate

                     pain, limited Range of Motion  

       Stage III – Internal Derangement without Reduction  – limited Range of Motion, no joint noise,

                     jaw deflection is common, disc begins to deform, condyle begins to flatten  

         ____ a) Closed-Lock ( Acute) – sudden jaw locking (open or closed), severe pain

         ____ b) Closed-Lock (Chronic) – permanent jaw locking (longer than 6 months),

                     mild to severe pain

____ Stage IV – Early Degenerative Joint Disease – pain, beginning of  jaw joint disintegration,

                       no crepitus (bone on bone grinding), disc is deformed, limited Range of Motion,

                       degenerative changes to the condyle and temporal bone

____ Stage V – Advance Degenerative Joint Disease – progressive jaw joint disintegration,

                      crepitus (bone on bone grinding) due to perforation of the posterior ligament , pain,

                      limited Range of Motion, severe changes to the condyle and temporal bone

About The Author

Dr. Darren Chu

Dr. Darren Chu is a dedicated dentist with over 33 years of experience in private practice. He was recognized by the Consumers Research Council of America as one of “America’s Top Dentists” from 2013 to 2017, highlighting his commitment to excellence in the dental profession.

Read The Full Bio