Invisalign and TMJ Disorder: Questions to Discuss at an Assessment

TMD has multiple possible causes. Assessment is needed before discussing dental or other management options.

Summary of the article:

• Clear aligner treatment changes tooth position; it should not be presented as a treatment for TMD pain.
• 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.