Do you suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder? It’s a painful feeling that starts in your jaw and can spread to your face and neck if left untreated. While it can be painful and disruptive to your everyday life, there may be a solution in an unlikely place. Invisalign, known for its ability to discreetly straighten teeth, could also help alleviate your TMJ symptoms. If you’re wondering how these clear aligners can help your TMJ disorder, continue reading.
What Is TJM Disorder?
TMJ disorder is a malfunction in the joint that connects your jawbone to the base of your skull. Its symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing your mouth, headaches, and difficulty chewing. These symptoms are often caused by misaligned teeth or an improper bite, which can put strain on the jaw joint.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to gradually straighten teeth and correct bite issues. While these clear aligners mostly focus on improving the alignment of teeth, they can indirectly benefit patients with TMJ disorder.
How Does Invisalign Help with TMJ Disorder?
Your bite is, essentially, how your teeth fit together. Invisalign treatment shifts teeth into more desired positions over time with gentle pressure. By correcting bite misalignments, like overbites or underbites, Invisalign can help distribute chewing forces evenly, reducing strain on the TMJ.
In addition, many patients with TMJ disorder also suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) which can worsen jaw pain. Invisalign aligners provide a protective barrier between the teeth, which may help reduce the effects of teeth grinding. This, in turn, can help alleviate some TMJ symptoms.
Can Clear Aligners Treat All Symptoms of TMJ?
While Invisalign can address many aspects of TMJ disorder by improving dental alignment, it’s not always a comprehensive solution. Patients with severe TMJ symptoms or underlying structural issues may require other treatments like physical therapy, or dental restorations.
And so, if you’re considering clear aligners as a treatment option for TMJ disorder, it’s important to consult with your dentist. They can evaluate your jaw function, dental alignment, and overall oral health to decide if Invisalign is the right solution.
About the Practice
If you’re suffering from TMJ disorder and want to try Invisalign, the experts at Elmbrook Family Dental can help. They have extensive experience in treating TMJ disorder and using Invisalign to help their patients achieve a straight and functional smile. The practice uses advanced dental technology to scan, diagnose, and treat their patients efficiently and effectively every time. Call (262) 784-7201 to schedule an Invisalign consultation or visit the website to discover other services they provide.