TMJ disorders can lead to pain, jaw pain, and problems with everyday living. If you’ve been suffering from symptoms like clicking of the jaw, headaches, or jaw stiffness, you might be considering whether braces are a possibility. For most people, braces are more than a cosmetic fix—they can be part of a total solution to TMJ disorders.
Here we will explain how braces are related to TMJ problems, when they can be helpful, and other important things you should know about TMJ disorder treatment in Peterborough.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint, also known as the TMJ, is the joint that connects your lower jaw with your skull. It plays an important role in speaking, chewing, and yawning. If this joint doesn’t work in a normal manner, it results in a condition known as TMJ disorder or TMD.
The signs of TMJ disorders include jaw pain, clicking or popping, stiffness, and even pain that shoots to the ears or neck. Causes vary, but braces for TMJ disorder have become the popular option when alignment issues create these symptoms.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
There are several reasons that TMJ can occur. They can be due to arthritis, jaw injury, stress-related behaviors such as teeth grinding, or crooked teeth. If your bite is incorrect, the muscles of the jaw can overwork or strain and lead to greater chances of discomfort.
In most cases, it is possible to straighten the bite and reduce these problems. That is where orthodontics in Peterborough can intervene—braces can be fitted to shift the teeth and jaw into their new position so they work more efficiently.
How Braces Might Help
Braces are designed to align your teeth and jaw. When there is an imbalance in your bite—such as an overbite or underbite—it can stress the jaw joint. Over time, this stress can worsen TMJ symptoms.
By improving bite alignment, braces may reduce pressure on the TMJ, ease pain, and improve movement. For many patients, this makes braces an effective part of TMJ disorder treatment in Peterborough.
When Braces Are Appropriate
Braces are not indicated for all instances of TMJ disorder. If your TMJ symptoms are due to bite or jaw position problems, braces might be helpful. However, if they result from muscle tension, trauma, or arthritis, another treatment is probably called for.
A dental check-up that includes bite analysis and X-rays will confirm whether or not braces for TMJ disorder are the best solution in your case.
Other Orthodontic Treatment for TMJ
Besides traditional braces, clear aligners like Invisalign are also used to improve bite alignment. These may be a more comfortable and less noticeable option, especially for adults.
Night splints or guards are of use to some patients to reduce grinding or clenching, which has the effect of increasing TMJ symptoms. These are used pre-operatively or along with orthodontics in Peterborough to ease pressure on the joint.
The benefit of TMJ Relief Using Braces
Braces are of some benefit to TMJ patients in the long term. These include:
- Improved jaw function
- Reduced pain in the face and jaw
- Reduced grinding of teeth
- Better bite alignment
- Better smile appearance
When your bite is in good balance, the stress on your jaw joints becomes even and uniform. This balance is the key to effective TMJ disorder treatment in Peterborough and avoiding flare-ups in the future.
What to Expect During Treatment
If your dentist or orthodontist recommends braces for TMJ, the process is identical to regular orthodontic treatment. It involves bonding brackets to your teeth and gradually positioning them.
The length of overall treatment depends on your bite and how serious the misalignment is. During braces for TMJ disorder, you can also be asked to exercise your jaw or use a mouthguard to protect your teeth and release tension.
When to See a Dentist
If you are getting pain, clicking, or having trouble chewing regularly, you should go see a professional. Early diagnosis of TMJ disorder will make treatment work more effectively.
Regardless of whether you require pain relief, enhanced jaw function, or to restore your bite, orthodontics in Peterborough can be an unlock to long-term comfort. Your dentist will refer you to the right solution depending on your condition.
Book an Appointment with an Experienced Dental Group
Treating TMJ disorder can be frustrating, yet with the right treatment, relief is available. If you are experiencing jaw pain or wondering about braces as the answer, we can help.
At Chemong Family Dental, No matter if you’d like to beautify your smile or ease jaw discomfort, we can assist with sensitivity and compassion.
Schedule your appointment today and begin towards a healthier, more comfortable smile.
