Is your jaw chronically sore? Do you hear a clicking noise when you chew? Are you prone to morning headaches? Maybe you grind your teeth when you sleep or clench your jaw when you’re stressed and frustrated. Either way, the pain stems from applying too much force to the jaw muscles, right?
Jaw pain from TMJ disorder often originates from bite misalignment, which can be fixed with Invisalign aligners. So, if you’re interested in fixing your TMJ with Invisalign, read below to learn how treatment can help!
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for the ‘temporomandibular joint,’ a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. That being the case, you have a TMJ on both sides of your jaw.
TMJ Disorders, often grouped under the heading ‘TMD’ — temporomandibular joint dysfunction — can be caused by arthritis, jaw injury, or issues with jaw alignment. In particular, jaw misalignment puts excess pressure on the TMJ via biting, even in the absence of jaw clenching or teeth grinding.
Symptoms of TMD can include:
- Jaw inflammation
- Tightness in jaw muscles
- Difficulty chewing
- Clicking of the jaw joint.
Invisalign’s Effects on TMJ
Invisalign aligners effectively relieve some TMD symptoms, particularly jaw pain and facial fatigue.
Because you would wear the plastic aligners 20-22 hours a day, they’d help protect your teeth from night grinding that can inflame the TMJ. More importantly, they realign your upper and lower jaws so you can open your mouth to chew and speak properly, thus reducing the stress on your TMJ. This stress reduction then lessens the inflammation and pain caused by TMJ disorder.
Talk to Your Orthodontist
No matter how you choose to solve your TMJ issues, it’s essential to do your research and consult with your local orthodontist. They can assess whether you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign or if other treatments would be more appropriate. They’ll also attest that cost, length of therapy, and other restrictions play a role in your options.
Whatever the case, keep in mind that Invisalign’s benefits would potentially include pain relief and not just a straighter smile.
If you’re experiencing TMJ, you can do more than get a nightguard. Contact your dentist to see if Invisalign is what you need to treat your achy jaw!
About the Practice
Beverly Farms Dental is based in Beverly, MA. Headed by Drs. Blake, Staniek, and Lau, their team provides excellent dental care to Beverly Farms and its neighboring communities. They provide treatments ranging from dental checkups and teeth cleanings to tooth repair, cosmetics, and orthodontics. Their office is also a well-known local provider of Invisalign® clear aligner trays. For more information or to book an appointment, the practice can be reached at their website or by phone at (978)-927-3515.