People almost always think braces are solely focused on straightening teeth. It’s true that this is a popular use of orthodontic appliances, but the jaw can require just as much attention for some patients. Wiesemann Orthodontics is here to clarify how braces can provide relief to those with TMJ disorders—and explain what this condition looks like untreated.
Identifying A TMJ Disorder
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint—the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. Disorders affecting this joint, known as TMJ disorders or TMD, cause a variety of issues like discomfort, limited jaw movement, and various other symptoms that can have a negative impact on your daily life.
Common signs of TMJ disorders include:
- Pain or tenderness around your jaw, ears, or face
- Jaw stiffness or locking
- Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
- Difficulty or pain while chewing
- Frequent headaches or migraines
How Do Braces Help with TMJ Disorders?
Braces are able to correct misalignments in your bite, known as malocclusions, which can directly or indirectly contribute to TMJ issues. Common bite problems that braces can correct include:
- Overbites: When the upper teeth significantly overlap lower teeth.
- Underbites: When the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth.
- Crossbites: When the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth when biting.
Misaligned bites usually create uneven pressure on the jaw joints, causing strain and inflammation. When Dr. Wiesemann properly aligns your teeth with braces or Invisalign, this pressure redistributes evenly, reducing stress on the temporomandibular joint and alleviating symptoms.
Part of a Broader Treatment Plan
At Wiesemann Orthodontics, we always use a comprehensive approach when addressing TMJ disorders, meaning other professionals and treatments may be integrated to help fully resolve symptoms. While braces alone might drastically improve symptoms in many cases, your orthodontic treatment may be combined with other interventions like:
- Nightguards or mouthguards: To prevent teeth grinding, which exacerbates TMJ issues.
- Occlusal (Bite) Splints: These are custom-made oral appliances designed to stabilize your jaw, reduce pressure, and protect teeth from grinding or clenching.
- Physical therapy: Exercises and therapies designed to strengthen jaw muscles and improve joint function.
- Botox Injections: These can temporarily relieve chronic TMJ pain or muscle spasms for some patients by relaxing tense jaw muscles.
- Pain management: Medications or relaxation techniques to alleviate acute symptoms.
Answering Questions About TMJ Disorders
Let’s go over a few frequently asked questions patients have about TMJ disorders. We know that everyone will have varying levels of knowledge on these conditions when starting treatment.
Q: How can parents identify potential TMJ disorders in young children?
Parents should watch for signs in kids such as jaw discomfort, difficulty chewing or opening the mouth, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, ear pain without infection, teeth grinding (especially during sleep), or unexplained facial pain or swelling. Usually, a combination of these symptoms will be present in most TMJ disorders.
Q: How do TMJ disorders typically manifest differently in adults compared to younger patients?
Adults often experience chronic or progressively worsening TMJ symptoms due to long-standing bite misalignment, teeth grinding, stress, or arthritis.
Q: Do elderly individuals experience more severe TMJ disorders?
Elderly individuals can experience more severe or chronic TMJ symptoms due to factors such as arthritis, degenerative joint changes, tooth loss, or prolonged dental problems. Symptoms in elderly patients often include persistent pain, stiffness, jaw noises (crepitus), and difficulty chewing or speaking.
Q: Are TMJ disorders hereditary, and could family history increase risk?
TMJ disorders themselves aren’t typically hereditary, but genetic factors may predispose some people to joint laxity, certain bite patterns, and jaw alignment issues, which indirectly increases the risk of developing TMJ disorders, especially within families.
When It’s Time to Seek Help
It can be difficult to know the right time to seek professional treatment for a TMJ issue. You might have been experiencing symptoms for so long that you’ve grown used to them, but consider the following signs.
- Pain is affecting your daily activities or quality of life
- Symptoms worsen or become chronic
- Jaw movements are very restricted or painful
- Home treatments and remedies are no longer helping
During your initial visit, Dr. Wiesemann will thoroughly assess your condition, discuss possible causes, and recommend the most effective treatment plan personalized to your needs.
Getting Back on Track
Regardless of the challenges you’re facing when you come into our office for the first time, we’re committed to making sure every aspect of your orthodontic health is treated with excellence! We have four offices that would love to welcome you in for a free consultation, located in Bowling Green, Russellville, Portland, and White House.