Can Orthodontic Treatment Improve Jaw Pain or TMJ Issues?

If you’ve ever peeked inside of an anatomy textbook, you’ve probably seen some very strange words. Case in point: the temporomandibular joint in your jaw. When the TMJ doesn’t function like it’s supposed to, it can introduce a whole host of issues. One Love Orthodontics wants to tell you how orthodontic treatment improves jaw pain and TMJ issues. 

What is the TMJ, and Why Does It Matter?

The TMJ is what connects your jaw to your skull, and ideally, it will allow your jaw to move smoothly. But this joint can bear some issues, known as a TMJ disorder, which can manifest in a few different ways in patients of all ages:

  1. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Often occurring during sleep, bruxism can lead to morning jaw pain and worn-down teeth.
  2. Clicking or Popping Sounds: Audible noises when opening or closing your mouth are often linked to jaw misalignment.
  3. Jaw Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort or difficulty moving the jaw, particularly when eating or speaking.
  4. Locking Jaw: Episodes where the jaw feels stuck or difficult to fully open or close.
  5. Headaches and Migraines: Frequently triggered by jaw tension or misalignment.
  6. Facial and Neck Pain: General discomfort that may radiate to the neck and shoulders.

One notable quality of a TMJ disorder is that it can often go undiagnosed simply because patients will write off a lot of these symptoms. But if you’re dealing with one or more of these effects regularly, you should really bring it to the attention of a professional like Dr. Dayan.

Can Orthodontic Treatment Improve Jaw Pain or TMJ Issues?

How We Address TMJ Disorders with Orthodontics

In many cases, the root causes of TMJ discomfort can be alleviated by orthodontic treatment. Dr. Dayan might have to approach these conditions from various angles to eliminate all of your symptoms.

1. Correcting Bite Alignment: Uneven bites—like overbites, underbites, or crossbites—can place undue stress on the TMJ. Orthodontic treatments such as braces or aligners help redistribute pressure evenly, reducing joint strain.

2. Improving Jaw Position: Dr. Dayan uses braces or other specialized appliances to adjust the jaw’s position, ensuring a balanced bite that reduces strain on the TMJ.

3. Reducing Teeth Grinding: Misaligned teeth can worsen bruxism. By aligning the teeth and correcting the bite, orthodontic care minimizes grinding and clenching, alleviating jaw pain and protecting your teeth.

4. Easing Muscle Tension: The reason misaligned teeth and jaws force the surrounding muscles to overcompensate, leading to tension and pain. Orthodontic treatment at One Love Orthodontics will realign the jaw, relieving muscle strain and discomfort.

6. Easing Headaches: Orthodontic treatment reduces strain on the jaw muscles, which can help alleviate tension headaches. These can often be linked to TMJ disorders.

7. Supporting Holistic Oral Health: By improving the alignment of your teeth and jaw, orthodontics enhances not just your smile but also your overall well-being, reducing the risk of additional dental or muscular complications.

Questions About TMJ and Orthodontics 

You are not expected to be an expert in jaw problems when you walk into our office. So your questions are completely valid and encouraged! Here are a few you might be thinking about:

Can early orthodontic treatment prevent TMJ problems?

It certainly can! Early intervention, especially in younger patients, can correct jaw misalignments before they develop into full-blown TMJ disorders. For adults, orthodontics are used to reduce or eliminate existing symptoms.

What are the benefits of a custom night guard?

A custom-fitted night guard protects against grinding, reduces muscle tension, and prevents further damage to your teeth and TMJ. Unlike over-the-counter options, custom night guards are tailored to your specific anatomical needs.

Is orthodontics the only solution?

Orthodontics is one effective approach, but TMJ disorders may also require additional therapies, such as night guards or physical therapy. This depends on the severity of your symptoms. Usually, a layered approach involving one or more of these treatments is a good idea:

  • Physical Therapy: Certain gentle exercises can strengthen jaw muscles, improve mobility, and reduce pain. Dr. Dayan may recommend specific physical therapy techniques or refer you to a specialist.
  • Stress Management: Stress often contributes to TMJ issues, causing a lot of jaw clenching. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, and relaxation exercises can help reduce clenching and grinding.
  • Dietary Modifications: Avoiding hard or chewy foods can ease the strain on the TMJ. A soft diet during flare-ups can provide relief.
Can Orthodontic Treatment Improve Jaw Pain or TMJ Issues?

Finding Relief

As you can see, you don’t have to live with your TMJ pain—there is a lot that we can do to help out! But the first step is to come to One Love Orthodontics and contact us for a free consultation so we can take a closer look. Our Brooklyn office’s doors are always open to new patients!