Have you been struggling with jaw pain, sore facial muscles, and/or frequent headaches? It is possible that your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is not as healthy as it should be. This complex part of the body, which connects the lower jaw to the rest of the skull, can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms when it is not functioning properly. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a number of treatments for TMJ disorder. In some cases, fixing TMJ with Invisalign in Auburn is even a possibility.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder, often called TMD, can have numerous causes. In some cases, it is related to stress, injury, or nighttime teeth grinding and clenching. Often, the cause remains a mystery. Occasionally, though, a misaligned bite is the primary culprit behind the condition.
When the upper and lower teeth do not function harmoniously together, the TMJ has to work extra hard to help you speak and chew. This can occur when an individual has an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Over time, the TMJ can become so strained that the person begins to experience jaw pain and other bothersome symptoms.
Invisalign and TMD
Invisalign is usually able to correct mild to moderate cases of bite misalignment. It does so by shifting the teeth into their proper positions, so they are better able to work together to allow you to speak and chew. With the help of orthodontic accessories, it can also train the jaw to rest in the correct place, thereby relieving stress on the TMJ. Many people find that, following Invisalign treatment, their TMD symptoms are less severe or disappear altogether.
Of course, it is important to remember that Invisalign is not a “one size fits all” TMD treatment. If your problem is caused by something other than a misaligned bite, it is unlikely that Invisalign will relieve your symptoms.
Finding Relief from TMD
If you are struggling with symptoms of TMD, schedule an appointment with an experienced dentist. They will evaluate the positioning of your teeth and jaw to determine if Invisalign would be an appropriate treatment. If it may help you, they can get started on designing your custom aligners.
If Invisalign is unlikely to help you find relief, your dentist can let you know what your next steps should be. Some patients discover that at-home remedies mitigate their pain. Others benefit from a nightguard that prevents nighttime teeth grinding. In rare cases, surgery or another extensive treatment is necessary.
TMD is a complex problem, and different individuals require different treatments for it. However, in some cases, Invisalign is the most convenient way to address a misaligned bite and allow an overworked jaw to relax.
Meet the Practice
The talented, experienced dentists at Willow Run Dental Association have many years of combined experience. With compassion and empathy, they offer a broad range of treatments, including Invisalign. If you would like to find out whether clear aligners may help you conquer TMD, or you have other questions about how our practice may be able to serve you, contact our office at 207-352-2825.