How Are TMJ and Orthodontic Treatment Connected?
TMJ pain can be a result of several causes. The most common orthodontic issues are from misalignment, crooked teeth, grinding, and clenching of the jaw. A jaw injury can lead to TMJ discomfort, which is more common in people who play sports. General arthritis can cause pain to spread throughout the jaw. With misaligned teeth, there is added pressure and stress to your jaw. Muscles and joints connected to your mouth may experience discomfort from the stress, which results in TMJ pain and inflammation. Orthodontic treatment can help reduce and sometimes eliminate jaw pain and TMJ problems. Using tools like orthodontic braces and clear aligners, we can realign your teeth to reduce unwanted pressure. TMJ can be caused by an overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. All of these common dental problems can create the pain that leads to TMJ disorders. We have provided many patients with relief by improving jaw alignment and straightening their teeth. Read below to learn about some of the subtle symptoms of TMJ and how to improve your TMJ health through orthodontic care.
TMJ Health and Related Symptoms
There isn’t always a single cause of TMJ issues, but it’s often related to your teeth. Habits that are often unconscious, like clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, can both cause serious pain. There are many different approaches when dealing with TMJ disorders, and orthodontic treatment is one of them. If ignored, TMJ can continue to get worse, especially as the cartilage in the temporomandibular joint is affected. Pain will continue to intensify as TMJ symptoms don’t abate. There is a wide array of symptoms related to TMJ, making treatment sometimes difficult without the help of a professional. The joint is where your skull and jawbone meet, which explains why TMJ can cause problems in your mouth and the surrounding area. Symptoms can present as simple annoyances like a clicking jaw or tension in your neck and surrounding areas. More advanced TMJ symptoms cause pain and discomfort. Pain can strike in different ways. General jaw pain is one of the most common symptoms. Chronic headaches and migraines can be caused by stress on nerves around the jaw. Some patients may have trouble with their jaw locking, or even have issues closing their mouths. Pain in your face and ears can also be caused by TMJ.
Braces and Invisalign Can Help Reduce Jaw Pain
Braces are a long-time orthodontic solution to adjust bite and realign teeth. Invisalign offers a similar experience, without the permanent appliances on your teeth. These orthodontic procedures can relieve patients from TMJ pain by reducing the stress on their jaw. Braces and Invisalign can adjust how the upper and lower teeth meet, helping them to rest more easily. When we adjust the bite on a patient, it allows them to close their mouth more comfortably. Overall, an orthodontic treatment like Invisalign is designed to reduce stress in your mouth. These are one of the most common orthodontic treatments offered for TMJ that is caused by stress on patients’ mouths. Patients with more severe cases of misalignment are more likely to get braces, as Invisalign is meant for simple corrections. Clear aligners offer a more gentle approach to alignment and only work with mild cases. Other simple solutions may help with TMJ, like bite guards and retainers. These solutions are less invasive and can help reduce pain in the jaw. Other treatments include more intense solutions like jaw surgery.
Bite and Jaw Alignment Benefits
While braces are the most common orthodontic treatment for TMJ, there are some temporary downsides. Because braces physically shift a patient’s bite, some of the symptoms will remain during the process. Braces and Invisalign push teeth over long periods of time, but your body needs time to adjust to the process. Once your muscles adjust to the new position, TMJ symptoms caused by misalignment will begin to reduce. Some more severe causes of jaw alignment can provide a variety of benefits for the patient beyond pain reduction. The most notable change patients see is enhanced function of their jaw. With newly aligned teeth, standard daily tasks like chewing, breathing, and speaking may all become easier. This will reduce stress in multiple ways, most notably in the muscles around your mouth and jaw. Orthodontic care is especially important for long-term health. When a patient takes the initiative to address their orthodontic needs, they are preventing additional future damage. Taking care of your teeth will keep them healthy and reduce the likelihood of future complications.
FAQs About Invisalign Treatment
Should I Get Orthodontic Treatment for TMJ
Truthfully, TMJ disorders are sometimes difficult to treat because they can be caused by several issues. Oftentimes we see multiple problems working together to create the discomfort, but eliminating one of those problems can bring significant relief. Fortunately, any orthodontic treatment that focuses on misalignment or other issues with bite is likely to reduce pain, if not take it all away. There are only benefits from getting braces or Invisalign, and regardless of what is causing TMJ pain, you will see improvement. If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms caused by TMJ issues and want to get a professional opinion, schedule a consultation with Malaga Orthodontics.
Malaga Orthodontics Treatments and Services
Malaga Orthodontics offers comprehensive orthodontic care for patients in and around Lancaster, Ohio. A healthy smile starts as early as age seven. We provide preventative care for younger patients who show early signs of problems. We provide services for teenagers and adults. Regardless of age, we can offer our orthodontic services to keep your smile healthy. We offer Metal Braces, Invisalign, and Smile Touch-Up services for those who just need a slight realignment. Invisalign has become very popular over the last twenty years and is perfect for many patients who need less intrusive treatment. Contact our offices to schedule a consultation or appointment today!
Get TMJ and Jaw Relief in Lancaster Ohio
TMJ pain can be debilitating, reducing someone’s ability to eat, speak, sleep, and function normally throughout their daily lives. If you’re suffering from TMJ problems, contact our offices to learn how we may be able to provide relief! We provide complimentary Invisalign consultations to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, and if not, to discuss other options available.