The distinct “click” or popping sound heard in front of the ear when opening and closing the mouth indicates a misalignment of the “Articular Disc,” the anatomical shock absorber inside the jaw joint. Normally, when the mouth opens, the disc slides forward along with the chin (condyle). However, when the ligaments loosen, the disc becomes compressed in front of the chin and remains protruding forward when the mouth is closed. When the patient begins to open their mouth, the chin moves forward and at some point hits the thick posterior edge of the disc, bouncing onto it; that’s when the “CLICK” sound is heard. This is called “Reducible Disc Displacement,” meaning the disc can return to its original position. If the joint is not protected with splinting (night guard) treatment at this stage, the disc will eventually become completely compressed, unable to return to its original position (non-reducible displacement), and the patient’s mouth will instantly lock, preventing them from opening it.
