Temporomandibular joint disorder, also referred to as TMJ disorder, is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull. This disorder can cause pain and dysfunction in the joint, leading to popping and clicking sounds when you move your jaw.
If you are one of the many people who suffer from, you have probably been told by your doctor that getting braces for your teeth can help alleviate your symptoms. But does this actually hold true? In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between braces and TMJ disorder. Keep reading to learn more!
How Does TMJ Manifest
TMJ Symptoms TMJ’s most common symptoms include the following:
- Symptoms of jaw joint pain in one or both jaw joints
- Earaches
- When you chew, there is discomfort.
- Face or neck pain
- Tense jaw muscles
- Change in how your teeth fit together
A piece of cartilage most frequently causes TMJ in the joint to slip out of place. Additionally, TMJ can be caused by an injury, displaced jaw, or rheumatoid arthritis.
What are some other prevalent causes of TMJ? Teeth grinding or clenching, as well as misaligned teeth or jaws. This is the point at which orthodontic treatment becomes necessary!
The Problem with a TMJ Disorder
While TMJ dysfunction is uncomfortable, this disorder – also known as sleep bruxism – has several negative consequences for your oral health, including broken teeth, enamel erosion, gum recession, and damaged dental work.
Teeth grinding occurs on a cyclical basis, most frequently during times of stress. For some, particularly adults, a TMJ disorder is a persistent issue that requires treatment to alleviate and repair.
Certain full-coverage night guards shield your teeth from injury while you grind. Other appliances work by releasing the muscles that cause unconscious clenching. Because the molars do not touch, you may be able to retrain your mouth and jaw to quit grinding and clenching.
However, one of the most frequent causes of TMJ disease is jaw misalignment. Braces are the most reasonable and practical way to fix this issue. The lower and upper jaw are appropriately realigned using Invisalign to align your smile, improve its appearance, and eliminate pain and discomfort.
Should You Get Braces If You Have TMJ Disorder?
While excessive use of your jaw muscles may not necessarily result in TMD, it can make them painful, tire your joints, and occasionally cause joint discomfort. Additionally, it can induce headaches, as some of those jaw muscles connect the lower jaw to the skull, and if they are pushed on excessively, your noggin’ may begin to ache.
Due to the rarity of actual jaw abnormalities (such as anatomical problems with the jaw joint or disc problems in the joint), dental experts initially choose the most conservative method to rule out muscle-related problems. This involves admonishing patients to abandon habits that result in excessive use of the jaw muscles (chewing gum, eating jerky, clenching your teeth, etc.).
We will commonly begin with a nightguard, or “splint,” to ensure that all of your bottom teeth contact the device simultaneously. Additionally, the night guard is somewhat thick, which prevents you from biting down completely and exerting maximal tension on your jaw muscles, allowing them to relax slightly and perhaps resulting in fewer headaches and jaw cracking.
Additionally, it is critical to check your bite periodically and be conscious of how your teeth touch – are they touching uniformly? Occasionally, following a recent dental filling or crown, the teeth settle into a new position, and the teeth bite slightly differently than they used to. If you recently received a filling or crown and notice that one tooth contacts the biting surface before the rest of the teeth, contact your dentist and ask them to correct it for you.
If bite problems cause TMJ, braces can be used to straighten your teeth and align your jaws. In addition, orthodontic treatment can realign your teeth relative to one another on both jaws, thereby alleviating TMJ symptoms.
Braces can also help when TMJ is caused by teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Misplaced teeth frequently cause tooth grinding and jaw clenching. Even though your teeth are straight, you can have problems with your jaw alignment.
Regrettably, not all TMJ causes may be corrected with braces. That is why it is critical to speak with a specialist who can assist you in diagnosing the source of your specific TMJ problem. After that, you can decide whether braces are the best treatment option for you.
Suppose the TMD pain and problems persist after trying the splint approach, and your bite is proper and pleasant. It may be more of an anatomical issue that an oral surgeon should address to explore surgical possibilities. As this is the last resort, every way of achieving comfort should be attempted before surgery.
Consult with Garza DDS today to learn more about TMJ braces
If you’re experiencing any TMJ disorder symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a professional. Dr. Garza and our team can help you determine if braces are the right treatment option for you. With our help, you can start on the road to relief from your TMJ symptoms. Don’t suffer in silence – contact us today for more information about how we can help!