Jaw pain got you down? Misaligned teeth could be the culprit!
Do you suffer from persistent jaw pain, headaches, or clicking in your jaw? These could be signs of a TMJ disorder. Often, the root of the problem lies in the alignment of your teeth and how your bite functions. This is where orthodontics can offer a potential path to relief.
Orthodontic treatment, using braces or clear aligners can realign your teeth and jaw, reducing pressure on the TMJ. This can lead to a significant decrease in pain and an improvement in overall jaw function, making everyday activities like chewing more comfortable.
Furthermore, a misaligned bite can often contribute to or exacerbate teeth grinding, a common factor in TMJ disorders. By achieving a more balanced bite through orthodontics, we can help to reduce the forces that lead to grinding, thus providing further relief and protecting your teeth from damage. In some cases, alongside active tooth movement, we might also recommend the use of a splint or night guard. These custom appliances help to stabilize the jaw joint, relax the surrounding muscles, and provide additional support for healing.
It's important to remember that TMJ disorders can have multiple contributing factors, and a comprehensive evaluation is crucial. Your orthodontist will thoroughly assess your bite, jaw joint function, and overall dental health to determine if orthodontic treatment is the most appropriate and effective solution for your specific TMJ concerns.
