Using Invisalign to Treat TMJ Disorder

There are plenty of reasons to want to correct bite problems with Invisalign. For one thing, a properly aligned bite makes it easier to chew your food correctly, and it can lower your risk for dental health problems. But there’s also one other less-than-obvious benefit that is definitely worth keeping in mind: it can potentially help put a stop to TMJ disorder. Below is a quick look at how Invisalign may be able to help with your jaw pain.

How Can TMJ Disorder Be Related to a Misaligned Bite?

A TMJ disorder (or temporomandibular joint disorder) is when there’s an issue with the joints connecting your lower jaw to your skull, often resulting in serious pain. There are many things that can contribute to a TMJ disorder, and a misaligned bite happens to be one such issue.

When your bite is out of balance, your jaw joints and muscles are exposed to more strain than usual. Over time, this pressure can result in a TMJ disorder. You can often tell when you have a TMJ-related issue thanks to symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, locking of the jaw, a clicking or popping noise when you open your mouth, and ringing in your ears.

How Can Invisalign Help with TMJ Disorder?

Invisalign involves wearing a series of clear aligner trays that can slowly move your teeth toward a new, better alignment. They can also help realign the upper and lower jaws to correct a variety of bite problems. In other words, there are many cases where Invisalign may be able to directly address the issues that are causing your TMJ disorder in the first place.

Furthermore, Invisalign trays can help protect your mouth and jaw from bruxism, which is a common contributing factor for TMJ disorder. Bruxism causes you to grind your teeth while you’re asleep, wearing down your enamel and inflaming your jaw joints. But if you wear Invisalign trays, your upper and lower rows of teeth will stay separated, which can significantly reduce your jaw pain.

Is Invisalign a Good Choice for You?

There are many benefits to choosing Invisalign to correct a bite problem, such as:

• Wearing clear alignment trays that are much more discreet than metal braces.
• Eating all of your favorite foods without restriction.
• Seeing results in just 12 to 18 months on average.

That said, your dentist will need to see how severe your orthodontic issues are before deciding whether Invisalign is a viable choice for you. Set up an appointment today to learn more about the Invisalign process and whether it could be the solution for your bite issues or your TMJ problems.

About the Author

Dr. Steve W. Cobb has been practicing dentistry for over 45 years and is currently putting his experience to good use helping to improve smiles in Odessa. He keeps a close eye on scientific research so that he can continue to implement new treatments and techniques into his practice. He’s able to use Invisalign to correct a variety of bite issues. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cobb, visit his website or call (432) 367-4774.