Are you suffering from jaw pain, headaches and other painful symptoms associated with TMJ Disorder? Are you looking for an orthodontic treatment for TMJ pain? Nowadays, dental patients find relief from Invisalign for TMJ disorders. If you are thinking about how Invisalign can alleviate TMJ symptoms, this article is for you!
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a common condition that affects the joints and muscles in the jaw. It’s more likely to affect women than men and can cause discomfort or severe pain, making eating, speaking, and sleeping difficult.
TMJ disorder has various possible causes, including jaw injury, teeth grinding, arthritis, or stress. It can significantly impact a person’s daily life, making it hard to perform routine tasks like eating, speaking, and smiling.
In this blog post, you will learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments for TMJ disorder. It will help you understand how Invisalign can alleviate TMJ symptoms.
Contents Navigation
- Summary of the article:
- What is Invisalign?
- Understanding TMJ Disorders
- What Causes TMJ Disorders
- Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
- How Invisalign Works
- Can Invisalign help with TMJ Disorder?
- Benefits of Using Invisalign for TMJ
- Invisalign Treatment Process
- Finding an Invisalign Provider
- Potential Side Effects of Invisalign Treatment
- Alternatives to Invisalign in Addressing TMJ Disorders
- Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign
- TMJ Disorder Prevention Tips
- Final Thoughts
Summary of the article:
- Invisalign is not just a cosmetic treatment used to realign crooked teeth. It is also an orthodontic treatment for TMJ pain.
- Invisalign helps alleviate pain from TMJ disorder by aligning teeth correctly. This reduces the stress in the temporomandibular joint.
- Bruxism can also lead to TMJ disorder. Wearing night guards during bedtime is recommended to prevent further joint damage.
- TMJ disorders may cause pain in other body parts connected to the jaw bone, such as the neck, ears, head and facial muscles.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a popular way of straightening a misaligned bite using clear, removable aligners. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are comfortable plastic that fits over the teeth.
Each set of aligners is customised to the patient’s unique needs and gradually moves the teeth into the desired position. Invisalign has several benefits over traditional braces, such as the following:
- nearly invisible
- easily removable for eating and cleaning
- causes less discomfort
Understanding TMJ Disorders
The jawbone and the skull are connected by a sliding hinge called the temporomandibular joint. Each side of your jaw contains its joint. Pain in the facial muscles, jaw joint and the muscles that move the jaw can be caused by TMJ disorders, a temporomandibular disorder.
It can be challenging to pinpoint exactly what causes TMJ disorder in any individual. There could be multiple causes of your discomfort, including genetics, arthritis, joint damage or a jaw injury.
Millions of people who experience sleep Bruxism or have a history of tooth clenching never develop TMJ disorders. However, Bruxism is common among those who experience frequent jaw pain.
Pain and discomfort from TMJ disorders are typically short-lived. They can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication, muscle relaxants or nonsurgical treatments. Surgery may be the best option for treating TMJ disorders in rare cases. However, this is usually only the case after other, less invasive types of treatment have been exhausted.
What Causes TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorder causes pain and discomfort in the joint that connects the jawbone and the skull. Various factors can contribute to the development of TMJ disorder, including the following:
- Physical injury:
A blow to the face or head, a car accident, or a fall can lead to TMJ disorder. - Genetics:
Sometimes, people may inherit TMJ disorders from their parents. They may have genetic traits that affect jaw bone development, leading to jaw misalignment. - Bruxism:
Grinding of teeth can cause stress on the TMJ and lead to this chronic condition. This may be due to stress, anxiety, or sleep disorders. Stress and tension in the jaw muscles can also cause TMJ disorder.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorder can cause various symptoms that differ from person to person. The most common symptoms are listed below:
- Ear pain:
The pain can be dull or sharp and may worsen with movement or biting down. - Painful chewing or biting:
This is due to a limited range of motion - Tension headaches:
This could be a sign that you have TMJ or Bruxism. It is advised to wear night guards to prevent stressing your teeth and jaw while you are asleep. - Popping sounds:
These are common when opening or closing the mouth. - Neck pain:
TMJ disorder can also cause referred neck, shoulders, or finger pain.
In some cases, TMJ disorder can cause the jaw to become stuck in an open or closed position, which may require medical attention to correct.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign is a treatment that uses plastic aligners to move teeth into their proper positions gradually. These aligners are tailored for each patient and worn for a specific amount of time before being replaced with a new set.
Improper teeth alignment can lead to TMJ disorder. When teeth are not properly aligned, the jaw may be forced to shift or move to allow for proper biting and chewing. This stresses the temporomandibular joint, leading to pain and discomfort.
Nowadays, Invisalign is used as an orthodontic treatment for TMJ pain. Dentists use Invisalign for TMJ disorders to correct teeth alignment and reduce stress on the TMJ. By aligning teeth, the jaw can function smoothly and comfortably, and that’s how Invisalign can alleviate TMJ symptoms.
Moreover, Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth and comfortable plastic material. This can reduce irritation and inflammation in the mouth. In contrast, traditional metal braces can cause soreness and irritation in the cheeks, lips, and gums. This is likely to worsen TMJ symptoms.
Can Invisalign help with TMJ Disorder?
Invisalign can help reduce pressure on the jaw joint and improve TMJ symptoms. Improper teeth alignment can force the jaw to shift, causing extra stress on the TMJ and leading to pain and discomfort.
Benefits of Using Invisalign for TMJ
Invisalign aligners offer several benefits to patients with TMJ disorder. Some of them are listed below:
- Invisalign aligners are made of plastic material that minimises irritation and soreness in the mouth. This can be helpful for patients with TMJ disorder already experiencing jaw pain and discomfort.
- Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier to maintain good dental hygiene. This reduces the risk of dental problems.
- Invisalign can reduce jaw pain and discomfort by moving teeth to their correct position and relieving pressure on the TMJ. This can lead to a more comfortable and efficient jaw function.
Invisalign Treatment Process
As a patient, you must know what to expect during the Invisalign treatment process. Below are the stages of Invisalign placement:
- Your dentist will determine if you have other orthodontic issues and if Invisalign treatment suits you.
- Digital scans of your teeth and a customised treatment plan will be created.
- You will be given a series of clear, custom-made aligner trays. You need to wear them for 20-22 hours per day, with each new set making incremental adjustments to the teeth over time.
- Regular visits with the dentist are necessary, and refinements may be needed.
- Once the treatment is complete, the patient is provided with retainers to maintain the new position of the teeth. With proper dental care, the results of Invisalign treatment can be long-lasting.
Finding an Invisalign Provider
Aside from good oral hygiene, choosing a trained Invisalign provider is also important. Here are some tips for finding a dentist who has experience treating TMJ disorder and is skilled in Invisalign treatment:
- Look for experience:
Choose an Invisalign provider with experience treating TMJ disorder. Look for information on their website or online reviews that shows their expertise in this area. - Ask for referrals:
Ask your dentist for a referral to an Invisalign provider with experience treating TMJ disorder. - Check credentials:
Ensure the provider is licensed to provide Invisalign treatment. This information can usually be found on their website or by calling their office. - Schedule a consultation:
Discuss your TMJ symptoms and treatment goals with your dentist. Ask about their experience treating patients with TMJ disorder and how Invisalign treatment can help.
Ask about treatment approach: Inquire about the provider’s approach to treating TMJ disorder. You may also ask for other recommended treatments like exercises or oral appliances.
Potential Side Effects of Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is a great treatment option, but patients should know about some potential side effects. Listed below are the common ones:
- Discomfort:
It’s normal to feel discomfort or soreness in your teeth and gums for the first few days of wearing each new set of aligners. This usually disappears after a few days as your teeth adjust to the new position. - Sensitivity:
Invisalign can cause tooth sensitivity, especially in the early stages of treatment. This is temporary and can be managed with pain relievers or desensitising toothpaste. - Refinement treatment:
Some cases may need additional refinement treatment. This could mean additional sets of aligners or other orthodontic treatments. - Speech difficulties:
Wearing aligners may cause temporary speech difficulties such as lisps. But this usually improves as you get used to the aligners. - Oral hygiene challenges:
Cleaning your teeth and the aligners is important to prevent other oral health issues. Having Invisalign may mean you may need to allot more time in its care and maintenance.
Alternatives to Invisalign in Addressing TMJ Disorders
While Invisalign help in TMJ pain, some patients are unsuitable for this orthodontic treatment. In these cases, other alternatives may be used:
- Braces:
Traditional braces can correct bite issues that may contribute to TMJ disorder. - Nightguards for Bruxism:
A custom-made nightguard can be worn while sleeping. This prevents teeth grinding or clenching that can worsen TMJ disorder symptoms. - Physical therapy:
Exercises, stretches, and massages can help to relieve TMJ pain and improve jaw function. - Medication:
Pain relievers may be given to manage pain and inflammation associated with TMJ disorder.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign
Numerous patients were able to alleviate their pain from TMJ with Invisalign aligners. However, not all patients are good candidates for this orthodontic treatment. Below are the characteristics of a TMJ disorder patient who is a good candidate for Invisalign:
- Mild to moderate TMJ symptoms:
Patients with pain or limited jaw movement are good candidates for Invisalign. Severe cases may require more invasive treatments. - Misaligned teeth:
Patients with misaligned teeth can be good candidates. This is because crooked teeth can contribute to TMJ disorder. - Good oral health:
Patients should have good dental health before starting Invisalign treatment. Oral health issues like cavities or gum disease should be treated first.
Willingness to comply with treatment: Invisalign requires patients to wear the aligner trays for at least 22 hours daily. And then switch to a new set of aligners every few weeks. Patients must be willing to comply with these requirements to achieve the desired results.
TMJ Disorder Prevention Tips
TMJ disorder pain is exacerbated by applying too much pressure on the jaw bone. This causes pain and can affect the daily activities of a person. But this can be avoided by following these tips:
- Avoid hard or chewy foods:
Chewy and tough foods can strain the jaw muscles and worsen TMJ disorder symptoms. Sticking to soft foods and cutting them into smaller pieces if needed is better. - Practice relaxation techniques:
Stress and tension can exacerbate TMJ disorder symptoms. Practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation, to reduce stress and tension in the body. - Practice good posture:
Poor posture can strain the neck and jaw muscles, contributing to TMJ disorder. Sit straight, relax your shoulders, and avoid cradling the phone between your ear and shoulder. - Wear night guards:
Grinding your teeth can strain the jaw muscles and worsen TMJ disorder symptoms. Wearing a nightguard while sleeping can help prevent teeth grinding. - Take breaks from activities that strain the jaw:
Chewing gum or nail-biting can strain the jaw muscles and contribute to TMJ disorder. - Seek prompt treatment for dental issues:
Dental issues such as misaligned teeth or a bad bite can contribute to TMJ disorder. Seek prompt treatment for these issues to prevent further strain on the jaw muscles.
Final Thoughts
Using Invisalign aligners to alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms has become increasingly popular. They align the teeth to reduce pressure on the jaw joint and are more convenient than traditional braces.
If you suffer from TMJ and have crooked teeth, consider investing in Invisalign. Don’t let the symptoms of TMJ disorder ruin your quality of life; take action today. Book or call Magical Smiles for more information about how we can help you relieve your symptoms with Invisalign therapy.
With state-of-the-art treatment plans, Magical Smiles will provide comfort to your mouth and jaw joints.