BETHESDA, Md. (Jan. 26, 2006) - The National Institute of Dental and
Craniofacial Research last month unveiled plans for a seven-year
clinical study of temporomandibular joint disorders.

The $19.1 million project "marks the first-ever large, prospective
clinical study to identify risk factors that contribute to someone
developing a TMJ disorder," according to NIDCR. Some 3,200 healthy
volunteers will be tracked for three to five years to see how many
develop the disorder.

Dr. William Maixner, the study's principal investigator, said the
study could help refine diagnostic criteria for TMJ disorders, and lead
to new approaches to treatment. While the number of people who have TMJ
disorders is unknown, NIDCR estimated that the main symptoms of pain
and restricted jaw movement occur in 5 to 15% percent of Americans.
(See NIDCR news release.)