Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause considerable discomfort and lower a person’s quality of life. Many people who suffer from TMJ pain wonder if orthodontic treatment could be a possible solution. Our Ann Arbor orthodontist would be more than happy to answer these questions during your next appointment.
In the meantime, let’s review , what causes these issues, and how our local orthodontist can provide relief.
What Are TMJ Disorders?
The temporomandibular joints are the two joints that connect your lower jaw to the skull. They are responsible for the movement required to chew, speak, and yawn. occur when there is dysfunction or misalignment in these joints, leading to symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, and even neck pain.
The causes of TMJ disorders can vary, but common factors include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Jaw injury or trauma
- Arthritis
- Misalignment of teeth or bite (malocclusion)
- Stress (increases muscle tension and jaw clenching)
- Hormonal changes
- Connective tissue diseases
TMJ disorders can be complex, and the underlying cause needs to be identified first before moving forward. It isn’t until a conclusion has been reached that treatment, like orthodontics for TMJ pain, can be finalized.
Benefits of Orthodontics for TMJ Treatment
Orthodontic treatment for TMJ disorders can help alleviate many of the associated symptoms, especially if the root cause of the problem is related to misaligned teeth or an incorrect bite.
Here are several ways orthodontics can assist in managing TMJ-related pain.
1. Correcting a Misaligned Bite
Malocclusion, or a misaligned bite, is often linked to TMJ disorders. When teeth do not fit together properly, it can strain the temporomandibular joints, leading to discomfort. Orthodontic treatments such as metal braces or clear aligners can correct the bite, ensuring the upper and lower teeth fit together harmoniously. Once the bite is corrected, the pressure on the TMJ can be relieved, reducing symptoms like jaw pain and headaches.
2. Reducing Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common . When a patient grinds or clenches their teeth, it places undue stress on the jaw joints, exacerbating pain. Orthodontic treatment can help by addressing any misalignment in the teeth that contributes to grinding. Additionally, our TMJ disorder orthodontist may recommend a night guard or splint to prevent teeth grinding and protect the joints from further damage.
3. Easing Muscle Tension
TMJ disorders often involve muscle tension in the jaw and surrounding areas. TMJ orthodontics can help alleviate this tension by gradually shifting teeth into proper alignment. When teeth are better aligned, the muscles responsible for moving the jaw may not have to work as hard, reducing the strain and discomfort caused by TMJ disorders.
Discover Relief from TMJ Pain
If you are experiencing symptoms of a TMJ disorder and suspect that your bite or jaw alignment may be contributing to the issue, it’s essential to set up an orthodontic consultation with Dr. Bedi. TMJ orthodontic treatment may provide lasting relief from related discomfort by addressing the root cause of the disorder. By correcting misaligned teeth or bite problems, our orthodontist can help restore the proper function of your jaw and improve your overall quality of life.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Bedi
Dr. Jashleen Bedi is proud to serve as your trusted orthodontist in Ann Arbor, MI. To schedule an appointment and learn how orthodontics can help relieve your TMJ pain, please call Enhance Orthodontics at (734) 821-7684. You may also fill out our online contact form and a member of our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.