Do you find daily activities, like eating, speaking, and yawning, painful due to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder? The clicking, popping, and persistent discomfort can leave you searching for solutions that provide lasting relief rather than temporary fixes. With the help of an experienced dental professional, you can understand the root cause of your TMJ disorder, which may be misaligned teeth, improper bite, or another issue that orthodontics can address.
At Floss & Co., our caring team understands the discomfort you face every day with TMJ, so we work hard to identify the treatment that will resolve your issue instead of just covering up symptoms. We have extensive experience evaluating how your bite alignment affects your jaw function, and we offer orthodontic solutions, including braces and aligners, that may help relieve TMJ discomfort by correcting underlying alignment issues. Understanding the connection between your bite and jaw pain is the first step toward finding effective, long-lasting relief.
How Orthodontic Treatment Directly Addresses TMJ Causes
TMJ disorder can occur due to a wide range of issues, including misaligned teeth, which can cause your jaw muscles and joints to overcompensate for uneven force. Orthodontic treatments target this root cause by gradually moving teeth into optimal positions and creating balanced contact between your upper and lower teeth when you bite down.
With a more balanced smile, pressure is distributed evenly across all teeth rather than concentrating force on certain areas. As your bite improves through treatment, the muscles controlling your jaw can function more efficiently and with less strain, potentially reducing inflammation, muscle tension, joint stress, headaches, and jaw popping and clicking. At Floss & Co., we integrate airway considerations into treatment planning, as breathing patterns can significantly impact jaw positioning and TMJ health.
Types of Orthodontic Solutions for TMJ Relief
TMJ disorders affect five to 12% of the population, making it a common condition. However, each case requires a personalized approach to ensure long-lasting comfort. Dr. Murphy and Dr. Silva will review all your orthodontic treatment options, depending on your specific needs and bite concerns. These solutions may include the following:
Traditional Braces
If complex bite alignment issues contribute to your TMJ discomfort, metal braces can move your teeth precisely in multiple directions. They gently guide your teeth with the right amount of steady pressure into their ideal positions. As your bite improves, your jaw joints can finally work as they’re supposed to instead of being forced into uncomfortable angles that cause pain.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a discreet alternative to traditional braces. They use nearly invisible, custom-made trays to gradually shift teeth into place, making them an effective solution for mild to moderate alignment issues. The smooth plastic surface of aligners creates fewer irritation points in the mouth compared to traditional braces.
These removable trays apply gentle, consistent pressure to guide teeth into proper alignment while providing a smooth biting surface that may reduce teeth grinding for some patients. If you clench or grind your teeth, the aligner material can serve as a protective buffer, potentially reducing muscle strain while simultaneously working to correct the underlying alignment issues.
What to Expect from Orthodontic TMJ Treatment
When you begin orthodontic treatment with us, you’re starting a journey toward jaw comfort and improved quality of life. While everyone’s path is unique, you can expect the following while in our care:
- Early wins: You may notice their jaw feeling more comfortable within just a few months as those initial alignment improvements start working their magic.
- Gradual improvement: As your treatment progresses, you’ll likely notice your TMJ symptoms becoming less frequent and less intense as the pressure gets taken off your jaw.
- Comprehensive relief: Orthodontic treatment for TMJ disorders can provide relief across the board, including no jaw pops or clicks, giving you better jaw movement and even reducing tension headaches.
- Long-term benefits: The relief doesn’t stop when treatment ends. Wearing your retainers as recommended will help maintain your improved jaw alignment and comfort for years to come.
Every smile is different, so your timeline might vary depending on your specific situation. We consider every detail, including your oral health, smile goals, and personal preferences, to find an orthodontic treatment that brings you comfort and gets you back to enjoying a pain-free life.
Contact Floss & Co. Today for TMJ-Focused Orthodontic Care
Orthodontic treatment offers a non-surgical path to addressing TMJ disorders by correcting the underlying bite issues that often contribute to jaw pain and dysfunction. At Floss & Co., we take a patient-centered approach that integrates airway expansion benefits into our orthodontic treatments.
We create a warm, comfortable environment for you to share your concerns about TMJ pain, ensuring you feel heard and get the effective treatment you need. Our comprehensive assessment will determine if braces or aligners could effectively address your specific TMJ symptoms by correcting alignment issues affecting your jaw function. Take the first step toward relief by contacting us today at (773) 586-5522 or through our contact form to schedule your consultation.
