Living with chronic jaw pain can be debilitating for many patients. The difficulty that comes with trying to open and close the mouth when eating, speaking, or even yawning can cause much frustration. But if the reason for your discomfort is due to a misaligned bite, it may be possible to seek orthodontics as a form of treatment. If you are wondering if it’s possible to fix TMJ with Invisalign, a local dentist is here to answer that question.
How an Improper Bite Can Lead to TMJ
While temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can arise for many reasons, one of the most common is a misaligned bite. When the teeth are not straight or a person’s bite is not functioning properly, it can lead to increased pain and discomfort as well as wear and tear on the tooth enamel.
Individuals with TMJ can develop frequent headaches, stiffness throughout the face, neck, and shoulders, and difficulty eating and speaking.
Over time, if you begin to notice that you hear a clicking or popping noise each time you open your mouth, you may discover that your TMJ is working improperly, causing inflammation and pain. Any additional pressure placed on your jaw joints will only result in worsening symptoms, which can become debilitating if left untreated.
The Impact of Invisalign on TMJ
While there are many treatments available to address TMJ, there is one solution that many dentists turn to – Invisalign. Much research has been done on clear aligners and their effects on the temporomandibular joint, and it is believed this form of orthodontic treatment is proven effective in alleviating some of the symptoms associated with TMJ disorder.
By wearing the clear aligners for 20-22 hours each day, the trays help to move teeth as well as the upper and lower jaws into proper alignment over time. Eventually, Invisalign makes it possible so that you can easily open and close your mouth without debilitating discomfort.
It is also possible for these clear aligners to minimize teeth grinding, which is also commonly found in those who suffer from TMJ.
When speaking with your dentist about treatment options, do not discount the possibilities that come with Invisalign. It may be that they want to combine clear aligner treatment with other forms of therapy (i.e., jaw stretches, TENS unit, or oral surgery), but starting with Invisalign can be a helpful way to minimize and even eliminate many of the symptoms associated with TMJ.
About the Practice
The dental team at Indy Dental Group to help you regain your confidence and a better quality of life with the help of Invisalign. When suffering from TMJ, we can examine your bite structure to determine if clear aligner treatment is right for you. Using Invisalign to improve your misaligned teeth and jaws can lead to a more functional and harmonious oral structure. And as a result, you can live life without the discomfort that comes with TMJ. Contact us at (317) 846-6125 to learn more.