When it comes to addressing TMJ discomfort, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every patient’s jaw discomfort is different, so the jaw joint must be taken into account from all sides if you are to locate the required alleviation. Numerous treatment choices are available; the correct one depends on a comprehensive diagnostic. Mild discomfort can occasionally be eased with painkillers, jaw joint rest, and cold or heat treatment. Alternatively, you might require surgery to fix a misplaced disk. South San Jose orthodontist helps with TMJ pain as well.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complicated hinge joint that links the jawbone to the skull. It is absolutely essential for chewing, opening and closing the mouth, and talking. When issues develop with this joint, though, they can cause TMJ dysfunction, sometimes called TMD.
Symptoms of this disorder can include:
- Jaw discomfort: Often radiating to the face, neck, or shoulders, persistent discomfort or soreness in the jaw joint
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: Often associated with limited jaw movement, a clicking, cracking, or grating sound results from opening or closing the mouth.
- Difficulties Chewing: Issues or discomfort experienced when biting or chewing could cause avoidance of specific foods.
- Jaw Locking: The jaw could become locked in an open or closed posture momentarily.
- Headaches: TMJ problems could be related to regular headaches—including migraines or tension headaches.
- Ear Pain: Though without symptoms of infection, unexplainable earaches or a sensation of fullness in the ears should be addressed.
- Face discomfort: Especially around the jawline, temples, or cheeks, facial discomfort
How Can Orthodontics Treat Your TMJ Pain?
Finding out whether malocclusion is the cause of your TMJ discomfort can help your dental team decide whether orthodontics can fix it. A complete, thorough diagnosis is necessary to know whether your bite might be aggravating your jaw joint pain.
An orthodontist will create a treatment plan if it has been established that changing your bite helps treat your TMJ condition. Every person has a different bite, hence every treatment strategy should be customized to your particular circumstances. Braces typically will be placed on your teeth to straighten them.
Occasionally, you might need a splint or a bite brace. Prescribed by a dentist, a splint is a tool akin to a mouthguard. Splints can alleviate pressure off of your jaw joints and let you change the angle of your jaw. Certain splints are worn overnight to prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Designed to fix biting problems, other splints should be worn all day.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment for TMJ Disorder
Orthodontic treatment for TMJ problems has several advantages, including;
- Relief from suffering
Correcting the position of the teeth and jaws will help lower the TMJ’s tension, relieving pain and suffering.
- Enhanced jaw capacity
Orthodontic treatment can help the jaw work better, so facilitating eating and speech.
- Improved tongue health
Orthodontic treatment can also help enhance oral health by making brushing and flossing teeth simpler and, therefore, lowering the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Enhanced self-awareness
Correcting misaligned teeth and jaws can also boost confidence and self-esteem, so guiding a better and more contented life.
Conclusion
Though orthodontics can help with TMJ discomfort, you might also need other treatments. Your TMJ and orthodontics have a relationship, but you will probably have to treat the joint itself for damage. For this reason, in addition to orthodontic therapy, we will advise various treatments to heal that damage. While not on their own, orthodontics can address TMJ problems. The degree of damage to the jaw joint will determine the other therapies.