Jaw pain, clicking sounds, and headaches can make life difficult. If you have these issues, you might have a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Many people wonder if orthodontic treatment like braces can offer relief from TMJ-related issues.
Yes, by correcting your bite and aligning your jaw, braces can help reduce strain that may contribute to TMJ discomfort. An aligned bite allows your jaw muscles to function more smoothly. At our Calgary dental practice, we can explore how improving your smile’s structure can also help your jaw feel better.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joints connect your jawbone to your skull on each side of your face. They act like sliding hinges, so you can talk, chew, and yawn. When these joints or the muscles around them cause pain, TMJ disorder, or TMD, is often the result.
Common Signs of a Jaw Problem
Common symptoms of TMD include discomfort in or around your face and jaw. Pay attention to the following:
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw, face, or neck
- A clicking, popping, or grating sound when you open or close your mouth
- Trouble chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite
- Your jaw getting “stuck” or “locked” in the open- or closed-mouth position
- Headaches or earaches
The Link Between Your Bite & Jaw Pain
The way your top and bottom teeth fit together is called your bite. When your bite is out of alignment—something known as malocclusion—thi can put extra stress on your jaw joints and muscles. Over time, this constant strain can lead to discomfort and other TMJ symptoms.
How a Bad Bite Affects Your Jaw
If your teeth don’t meet properly, your jaw muscles have to work harder to bring them together for chewing. This can lead to muscle fatigue and pain. An uneven bite can also cause the joint itself to sit in an unnatural position, which may contribute to joint issues.
How Braces May Help Your TMJ
Braces work by gradually moving your teeth into their proper positions. By correcting your bite, braces can help reduce the strain on your jaw joints and muscles. A balanced bite allows your jaw to function more smoothly and with less effort.
Create a Better Bite
The main goal of braces is to align your teeth and jaws. When your bite is corrected, the pressure is distributed more evenly across your teeth. This can help the jaw joint sit in a more comfortable and stable position.
Relieve Jaw Muscle Strain
With a properly aligned bite, your jaw muscles don’t have to overcompensate for misaligned teeth. This can lead to less tension and fatigue in the muscles around your jaw and may reduce the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ.
Invisalign or Braces for TMJ?
Both traditional braces and clear aligners are tools used to move teeth and improve a person’s bite. The right option for you depends on your specific dental needs and the complexity of your case. A dental professional can help you decide which approach is more suitable for you.
Traditional Braces
Braces use brackets and wires to guide teeth into the correct position, and they’re effective for correcting a wide range of bite problems. This includes everything from simple to more complex alignment issues.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are custom-made, removable trays that fit over your teeth. They’re a popular option for their discreet appearance. They can also correct many of the alignment issues that may contribute to jaw discomfort.
What to Expect & Your Next Steps in NE Calgary
If you and your dental team decide that orthodontic treatment is the right path forward for you, it’s helpful to know what to expect.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The time it takes for braces to help with TMJ symptoms varies from person to person. Treatment time depends on how much your teeth need to move. It could take anywhere from several months to a couple of years to achieve the desired alignment.
Can TMJ Problems Go Away for Good?
For many people, correcting a misaligned bite can provide long-term relief from TMJ symptoms. However, the primary goal is to manage your symptoms and improve your comfort.
Talk to a Professional
A thorough check-up at a Calgary NE dental clinic is the best way to determine the cause of your jaw pain. At Rundle Dental, we make your visit easy with flexible evening and weekend hours, free parking, and services in English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog, and Thai.
We’re also proud to accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to help make care accessible for our community. Your comfort is our focus, and we provide a welcoming space for your entire family. Contact us today to book your no-pressure consultation and find a path toward feeling better.
