9 yr old with TMJ symptoms

My 9 yr old son had expander removed on 12/1 and had braces put on top teeth 12/15. Expander was on for about a yr.  For about the last month, he has shown signs of either TMJ and/or tics.  We showed the facial movements he has been making to his orthodonist and he "suspects" TMJ, but he is not the expert.  He also said it is extremely rare for a 9 yr old to have TMJ.  What we notice is a: movement of his neck forward as if trying to strecth out the bottom jaw, and a chewing movement in his mouth, usually in closed position.  We have noticed a clicking from time to time.  He also blinks rapidly on occasion which leads us to believe it may not be TMJ.  Can you shed any light on this for us.

[scottma]

Your descriptions appear to describe forward head posture, limited mouth opening, which are commonly associated with with tmj dysfunction. Blinking is not a common manifestation of tmj. Seeing a tmj specialist, opthalmologist, or neurologist is advied.