Table of contents
What Is TMJ?
When your temporomandibular joints are functioning correctly, opening and closing your mouth and moving your jaw from side to side should be entirely painless. If these jaw joints become inflamed, it can make it uncomfortable or painful to move your lower jaw and perform everyday functions.
Biting and chewing food, as well as speaking, can cause discomfort. The pain of TMJ can also extend into the facial muscles, causing chronic headaches, earache, and pain spreading into the neck and shoulders.
TMJ Causes
Various problems can cause TMJ, and sometimes it is a combination of issues that can include:
- A poor bite or malocclusion.
- Bruxism or teeth grinding and clenching, which is often a nocturnal habit.
- Arthritis in your temporomandibular joints.
- Jaw injuries.
- Biting your nails, chewing on pens or pencils, or using your teeth like tools.
- Continually chewing gum, which can place your jaw joints under too much stress.
- Poor posture.
TMJ Symptoms
TMJ can cause various symptoms, including:
- Jaw pain.
- Chronic headaches or migraines.
- A popping or clicking sound when you try to move your jaw.
- Tinnitus or earache.
- Facial pain.
You may also feel as if your teeth no longer bite together correctly. Bruxism is often linked to TMJ. If you have bruxism, you will likely notice that your teeth feel more sensitive and appear worn and chipped.
Treating TMJ
TMJ can be a complex issue to treat, requiring a multifaceted approach to its management. If you have a poor bite or malocclusion, treatment may include the use of Invisalign combined with other therapies to help relieve the symptoms of TMJ.
What Is Invisalign?
Instead of using braces that are fixed onto teeth with brackets and wires, Invisalign is a clear aligner system. The aligner trays are custom-designed to fit over teeth and are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic.
Each aligner tray is carefully engineered to apply a specific amount of force to the teeth, allowing them to move into their correct positions gradually. The force is gentle yet constant since you wear the aligners most of the time, only removing them for meals and oral hygiene.
Every set of aligners is replaced approximately every 10 to 14 days by the next set in the series. The number of aligners required depends on the degree of malocclusion.
Using Invisalign for TMJ
Invisalign can be effective in treating TMJ when misaligned teeth cause the issue. The clear aligners can effectively treat a wide range of misalignment issues, including overcrowding, improper spacing, underbites, open bites, crossbites, and overbites.
Realigning teeth can help relieve pressure on the temporomandibular joints, thereby eliminating many of the associated symptoms, such as facial pain and difficulties moving your lower jaw.
Treating Bruxism with Invisalign
TMJ can frequently be caused by bruxism, so using Invisalign is helpful. Because you wear the aligners overnight, you will no longer be able to clench and grind, which will help your facial muscles relax, relieving the pressure on your jaw joints and the subsequent pain and discomfort.
As your teeth become better aligned, you may find you stop clenching and grinding entirely. If the habit persists after treatment is finished, you may need a longer-term treatment in the form of a custom-made night splint to protect your teeth.
Advantages of Using Invisalign for TMJ
Invisalign can provide some nice advantages during treatment, including:
- Comfort, as the clear aligners have no brackets or wires to dig into cheeks and lips.
- Convenience, as the system is minimally disruptive to everyday activities, allowing you to eat whatever you wish and maintain good oral hygiene easily.
- Aesthetics, as once the clear aligners are in your mouth, they are nearly invisible.
- Predictable results that are comparable with traditional braces.
Invisalign Treatment Process
Invisalign treatment is straightforward, and a general outline of what to expect is provided below.
Step One: Consultation & Diagnostics
A consultation is necessary so our Invisalign dentist can examine your teeth and jaw joints to diagnose the issue.
They may wish to take a cone beam CT scan of your jaw joints to assess any abnormalities or other conditions, such as arthritis. A digital scan of your teeth creates a 3D digital model of your teeth.
Our dentist will assess these diagnostics using Invisalign’s software to determine if Invisalign is an appropriate treatment and to plan how your teeth can be realigned using the aligners. Part of the process involves creating digital images that show how your teeth could look once realigned.
We take the time to thoroughly discuss your treatment plan and determine if additional therapies are necessary to help alleviate TMJ symptoms. Once you are happy with the plan, it is finalized, and your computer-generated aligners are ordered.
Step Two: Invisalign Treatment
You will receive instructions on how to insert and remove your aligners, as well as care for them, along with daily wear guidelines. It’s essential to follow these guidelines closely, as they will help you achieve the best results.
Step Three: Invisalign Checkups
Every 6 to 8 weeks, you will need to return to the NYC Dentistry Center so we can assess the progress of your teeth straightening and, if necessary, make any minor adjustments.
Step Four: Invisalign Retainers
Retainers are an essential part of any orthodontic treatment, and Invisalign retainers look and feel just like the aligner trays, except they are more comfortable to wear since your teeth are no longer being repositioned. If you have bruxism, wearing the retainers will help continue to protect your teeth.
Using Invisalign to treat TMJ can be a successful approach in relieving unpleasant and painful symptoms while helping to protect your teeth and jaws. If you have been experiencing chronic headaches or problems with a sore and painful jaw, contact us to schedule a consultation.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096