Can Orthodontics Help With TMJ Disorders?

By : Affordable Dentist | December 02, 2024

Have you ever struggled with jaw pain?

If you’re lucky enough to never experience jaw pain, then knowing how annoying this pain is might be tricky for you. But not 11.2 million Americans are so lucky. Nearly 5% to 12% of adults struggle with TMJ disorders. Life can be a bed of nails for people suffering from chronic jaw pain.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull and helps in easy jaw movement. When this joint doesn't function at its optimal level, it can cause discomfort while you talk, swallow, or chew. It might also lead to constant headaches and even cause facial tension.

Orthodontic solutions such as braces, Invisalign, or mouthguards present you brand new smiles along with addressing the root causes of TMJ disorders. Are you intrigued to explore more on orthodontic care for TMJ pain relief? Let’s scroll down below:

What’s TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorders are a combination of jaw problems that affect muscles, nerves, and joints around the jaws. The most common signs of this jaw issue are:

A nagging jaw pain

Lockjaw

Headaches or ear pain

Inability to easily move jaw muscles

Feeling pain while moving your mouth or opening it

Dizziness

Shoulder, back, or neck pain

How Orthodontics Can Help You Get Rid of TMJ Disorder?

If you suffer from teeth grinding, teeth clenching, or misaligned bite, orthodontic treatments can be your savior. They can correct your jaw alignment, and reduce pressure on the TMJ. The best solutions for TMJ are:

Braces: More or less we are all aware of what braces do. They align teeth to eliminate bite issues and help you maintain your oral health.

Invisalign: Similar to braces, clear aligners also adjust misaligned teeth but more discreetly.

Night Guards: People suffering from teeth grinding can benefit from night guards or mouth guards. Made of plastic or rubber, these orthodontic appliances protect teeth from clenching.

Why You Must Focus on Bite Alignment to Get Rid of TMJ Pain?

Your jaw shape plays a critical role in how your jaw functions. A poorly aligned jaw/bite puts stress on the TMJ. It leads to mild to excruciating pain in the jaw, neck, and ear. The most common jaw/bite issues that orthodontics corrects are:

Overbites and underbites

Crossbites

Crowding or gaps

Once your jaw works just fine, you can get rid of TMJ pain.

What are the Other Benefits of Orthodontics?

Treating TMJ disorders improves your overall life and lifestyle. As your TMJ pain wears off, you might also experience:

Reduced headaches and facial tension

Better chewing and speaking ability

Enhanced smile aesthetics

When Should You Seek Treatment?

It might be tricky to know when to consult an orthodontist. You must not delay if you notice:

Persistent jaw pain or stiffness

Difficulty chewing or speaking

Chronic headaches or facial pain

The faster you address misaligned teeth and jaw issues, the quicker might you get relief from pain and restore jaw function. If TMJ symptoms disrupt your life, schedule an appointment with us for orthodontic care for TMJ pain relief.