TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, is a complex condition that affects the chewing muscles, the bite, and the jaw joints just in front of the ears. These joints, known as the temporomandibular joints or TMJs, are somewhat delicate. When something goes wrong with them, the result can be jaw pain, difficulty chewing, headaches, and other problems.
If you are suffering from symptoms of TMD, you might be wondering about your treatment options. Can braces be used to fix TMJ disorder? In some cases, yes. This blog post explains some important information.
What Causes TMD?
It is important to note that TMD can be caused by a variety of factors. Sometimes, it is related to a stressful lifestyle, chronic nighttime tooth grinding, a past injury, or anatomical irregularities within the jaw joint, teeth, chewing muscles, and or facial bones.
When you visit a qualified specialist for TMJ therapy, they will learn about your symptoms and perform a thorough examination of your mouth and jaw. After their evaluation, they can recommend a customized treatment plan. In some cases, orthodontia is the best option.
How Braces May Help TMD
If your symptoms are caused by misalignment in your jaws or teeth, braces may be able to help. For example, issues like overbite, underbite, and crossbite can all be associated with TMD. Braces, along with special accessories, can achieve proper position of the teeth and correct bite problems. Therefore, as you progress through orthodontic treatment, you will notice an improvement in bite and tooth alignment.
Issues like rotated or crooked teeth can also place stress on the TMJs. Orthodontic treatment is often able to alleviate such issues.
In many cases, braces may be used in conjunction with other treatment options, such as a custom splint or orthotic, to relieve pressure on the jaw joints and reduce muscle activity.
After you complete your treatment, it is possible that you will experience long-term symptom relief. That is because orthodontia seeks to address the root cause of TMD, rather than just mask its symptoms.
Managing TMD
Of course, it is important to note that TMD is a complex problem, and there is no “one size fits all” solution to it. If your dental care team determines that braces are not right for you, they may be able to steer you toward other treatment options.
Even if braces are recommended, you should not expect results right away — complete treatment can take several months or longer. In the meantime, you may need to take some practical steps to manage your symptoms. Some people find relief when they eat only soft foods, use heat/cold therapy, and perform certain jaw exercises.
Braces might be able to help you conquer your TMD! Talk to a qualified dental professional to learn more.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Tom Hall is a highly experienced orthodontist who has completed extensive training and research in the treatment of TMJ disorder. He often uses splints and orthotics, in addition to braces and other methods to help patients find long-lasting relief from their symptoms. If you would like to consult with him about your jaw pain, contact our friendly team at 713-589-7996.