Can Braces Help TMJ?

The temporomandibular joints, also known as TMJ, connect your lower jawbone to the temporal bones of the skull. The muscles that control the bones are attached to the mandible and allow the jaw to move. TMJ disorders are the problems that affect the joints and muscles. Some symptoms are jaw pain, difficulty chewing and locking of the joint which makes it difficult to open and close the mouth. There are multiple treatment options for TMJ disorders that can help you.

How braces can help

TMJ disorders can cause pain and discomfort. Some symptoms can be due to a misaligned jaw or tooth grinding. Braces can help to correct problems such as malocclusion and to deal with bruxism. If the symptoms persist, a person should seek medical advice.

Malocclusion

Some people with TMJ disorders have a feeling of malocclusion. This means that the teeth are not aligned. The teeth should fit properly within the mouth without any spacing or crowding issues. None of the teeth should also be twisted or rotated.The alignment of the teeth affects their ability to perform vital functions such as chewing and biting. Misalignment can cause someone to make unnatural movements when biting. This can be stressful and an inconvenience. In the early stages, individuals usually end up trying to find the right alignment by repeatedly opening and closing the mouth. Due to this overuse, muscles swell. Over time, this can lead to discomfort and other serious complications.Malocclusion of the teeth can affect the TMJ. A dentist can recommend the use of braces to help adjust the position of the teeth and to correct the problem. The treatment will help the teeth to meet correctly. The joint will no longer be under any strain, which will relieve TMJ symptoms.

Tooth grinding

Bruxism is a condition in which a person grinds or clenches the teeth. It can be an indicator that there is something wrong with tooth alignment and bite. Some people who have jaw pain usually clench or grind their teeth, which is why it is considered as a probable cause of TMJ disorders. But there are also many people who grind or clench their teeth habitually but never develop TMJ disorders. Although bruxism as a cause of TMJ problems is not well-proven, treating it is wise. Braces can help with bruxism by straightening teeth and aligning the bite correctly.

Other TMJ treatment options

The stabilization splint or bite guard can provide relief. The appliance is placed over the upper or lower teeth and it prevents contact. It should be used for a short time. If it causes pain a person should stop using it. Pain medications can also provide short-term relief from discomfort.

Contact your dentist

Braces can help to ease the symptoms of TMJ by correcting a misaligned jaw and helping with bruxism. But before you use them it is advisable to consult with your dentist early. Your dentist should help you understand the varied treatment options that can help. You may then decide what works for you.Request an appointment here: https://www.smilebeautification.com or call Rolando Cibischino D.M.D. at (201) 204-1355 for an appointment in our Hackensack office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

4 Tips To Prepare For Getting Dental Implants

The decision to get dental implants is a big one, and one that can drastically change your life for the better. Dental implants offer substantial benefits over other tooth replacement options and can help prevent many of the adverse side effects of tooth loss. Because implants look and act like natural teeth and have the…

The FAQs Of Dental Implant Requirements

Dental implants are a way to replace a missing tooth in a way that looks and feels close to natural. Dental implant surgery is a multistep process, and it is important to know what to expect before you get started. You should speak with your dentist about whether implants are a good fit for you.…

General Dentistry Tips For Dealing With A Loose Tooth

A loose tooth is not something that anyone wants to deal with as an adult. Thankfully, general dentists are trained and equipped to know what to do when a patient experiences a loosened tooth. Adult teeth can become loose as a result of an infection in the oral cavity. More often than not, this is due…

What You Need To Know About Dental Implants

Whether you are missing one tooth or multiple ones, you may be thinking about getting dental implants. Implants are popular due to multiple reasons, including their functionality. However, getting implants is not a quick and easy process. Before jumping in, you should research what it entails and know what to expect.Implants have numerous advantages over…

Recent Posts

Tips To Prepare For Getting Dental Implants

4 Tips To Prepare For Getting Dental Implants

The decision to get dental implants is a big one, and one that can drastically change your life for the better. Dental implants offer substantial benefits over other tooth replacement options and can help prevent many of the adverse side effects of tooth loss. Because implants look and act like natural teeth and have the…

The FAQs Of Dental Implant Requirements

The FAQs Of Dental Implant Requirements

Dental implants are a way to replace a missing tooth in a way that looks and feels close to natural. Dental implant surgery is a multistep process, and it is important to know what to expect before you get started. You should speak with your dentist about whether implants are a good fit for you.…