People are often very concerned about the state of their smile (and rightfully so), but this might overshadow concerns about the state of their jaw health. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ) are widespread and often underestimated, but can be very difficult to live with. Lozman Orthodontics is going to walk you through how braces can help with your TMJ issues.
A Brief Overview of TMJ Disorders
TMJ Disorders can manifest in a few different ways, often with multiple symptoms occurring in tandem. These usually include one or more of the following:
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Jaw aches or tenderness
- Facial pain, headaches, or earaches
- Limited jaw movement or jaw locking
- Tooth sensitivity or uneven tooth wear due to grinding
Solving Your Symptoms
The good news surrounding these symptoms is that there may be orthodontic solutions with Dr. Robin Lozman’s professional oversight. In some cases, we may even opt for multiple forms of treatment.
1. Jaw Clicking and Popping
- Problem: Clicking or popping sounds commonly occur due to the misalignment of the TMJ.
- Orthodontic Solution: Orthodontic appliances may be able to help reduce joint strain and minimize or eliminate annoying clicking sounds.
2. Jaw Pain and Headaches
- Problem: Poorly aligned teeth and jaws may lead to muscle tension, pain, headaches, or migraines.
- Orthodontic Solution: Orthodontic treatments can correct bite misalignments, which may concurrently relieve pressure on jaw muscles and help to reduce pain and headaches.
3. Uneven Tooth Wear and Sensitivity
- Problem: A misaligned bite can cause uneven tooth wear and increased sensitivity due to disproportionate bite force.
- Orthodontic Solution: Braces and aligners can help to restore balance to the bite, distributing chewing forces more evenly across your teeth and protecting them from further wear.
4. Limited Jaw Movement or Locking
- Problem: Misalignment may cause jaw locking or limited mobility, which affects eating and speaking.
- Orthodontic Solution: Functional orthodontic appliances or braces may be able to improve jaw movement and restore comfortable functionality.
5. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
- Problem: Grinding or clemching your teeth when you are sleeping or during the day.
- Orthodontic Solution: Many times we provide customized night guards to protect teeth during the day or when sleeping, when you may be grinding.
FAQs About TMJ Disorder Treatment
Our expert team always welcomes any questions that may arise during your treatment process, or even before it begins!
Q: Do I still need a mouthguard if I’m undergoing orthodontic treatment?
A: Dr. Robin Lozman may recommend temporary splints or night guards alongside your orthodontic treatment, particularly in the early stages, to manage acute symptoms or protect teeth from grinding. Eventually, as your bite improves, these additional appliances might not need to be used anymore.
Q: Is TMJ disorder common among teenagers, and can orthodontics help younger patients?
A: Yes, TMJ disorders are increasingly common among teenagers, particularly those patients experiencing stress in their lives. Early orthodontic intervention can significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms, which may prevent long-term damage or chronic pain, while promoting healthy jaw growth and alignment as our teenage patients mature.
Q: Can orthodontics help relieve ear pain or ringing caused by TMJ disorders?
A: Yes, orthodontics can relieve TMJ-related ear pain or tinnitus (ringing in the ears) caused by jaw grinding or clenching and muscle tension. Correcting your bite alignment reduces pressure on surrounding nerves and muscles, often helping with ear symptoms.
Q: What lifestyle habits can help manage TMJ symptoms alongside orthodontic treatment?
A: In addition to your orthodontic appliance, there are a number of helpful practices you can incorporate to grant you comfort from your symptoms.
- Eating soft foods to reduce jaw strain.
- Practicing stress-management techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga).
- Applying warm compresses to ease muscle tension.
- Avoiding excessive chewing (gum, ice, etc.).
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene to support overall oral health during treatment
Q: Is surgery ever necessary alongside orthodontic treatment for TMJ disorders?
A: In some severe cases involving structural jaw deformities or significant joint damage, oral surgery combined with orthodontics might be recommended. We will collaborate closely with an oral surgeon if this combined approach is needed.
Your Smile, But Better
As a highly trusted staple of our Latham community, our promise to patients at Lozman Orthodontics is that we will provide them with comprehensive treatment for even the most complex orthodontic cases. We invite patients of all ages to come see us for a free consultation.