Are you experiencing persistent discomfort in your jaw, face, or teeth? If so, you’re not alone. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can be a challenging condition that affects many aspects of daily life. Fortunately, orthodontics offers a pathway for some in finding relief and regaining your comfort, as braces are one of the most common and effective treatments for TMJ. If problems with your bite are causing TMJ, using braces to align your jaws and straighten your teeth could provide a solution. Orthodontic treatment can adjust how your teeth are aligned relative to each other on both of your jaws, eliminating TMJ pain.

Dr. Matza says, “Unfortunately, not all TMJ causes can be fixed by braces. Which is why a consultation with an expert who can help diagnose the cause of your individual TMJ pain is important. Then – together, we can decide if braces would be the right treatment option for you if your pain is due to a problem with teeth or jaw misalignment.”  

Learn more about the basics of TMJ symptoms and some insights — and come in to see Dr. Matza if you’ve concerns about teeth or jaw alignment.

Put an end to your TMJ discomfort and enjoy a life free from facial pain. 

Our experienced orthodontist Dr. Matza is here to help. Schedule a consultation today at (561) 368-3480. Check our IG @matzaorthodontics to learn more.

Do you have painful jaw joints, popping and cracking sounds coming from your jaw, jaw stiffness, facial pain, and or headaches? These are some of the common symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). So check in with your dentist or orthodontist if this sounds like you.

The joint that helps comprise your jaw is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and when the area just in front of the ears is strained, TMD is one of the possible results. (FYI: TMJ disorders are a type of TMD disorder). For some people, braces are a great solution to reducing strain on the jaw joints and alleviating symptoms. As you read on, we’ll look into the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), how braces can help treat the discomfort, and other TMD treatments.

The Temporomandibular Joint

The TMJ is a complex joint that’s connected to many facial muscles and nerves. It acts like a sliding hinge and connects your jawbone to your skull. As you can see, it’s imperative. So what causes this joint to cause pain or discomfort and present as TMD? For many people with TMJ, the cause is unknown. Other causes are not well proven but include:

• Misalignment between the upper and lower teeth

• Orthodontic braces

• Tooth grinding

• Poor posture

• Poor diet and lack of sleep

Other possible causes of TMJ-related symptoms include fractures, dislocations, arthritis, and chronic structural problems.

Braces to Treat the TMD

Braces are one of a range of TMD treatments that can improve the jaw’s function and alignment. So they’re something to certainly consider if you’re having TMJ troubles.

How do braces help treat TMD? Great question! Braces gradually adjust the position of the teeth so that they fix the misaligned bite. When the teeth meet correctly, the jaw joint is usually no longer under any strain, easing any symptoms.

TMD Treatments

The truth is that more studies are needed on the effectiveness and safety of most treatments for jaw joint and muscle disorders. That’s why experts strongly recommend using the most conservative, reversible treatments possible when working on TMD. This includes:

• Over-the-counter pain medicines. Or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Like ibuprofen.

• An oral appliance (aka a stabilization splint or bite guard) is a plastic guard that fits over the upper or lower teeth.

• Botox injections

• Reducing stress and eating soft foods. Your dentist may recommend lifestyle and diet changes to help you.

If you don’t see an improvement in your TMD symptoms after dietary adjustments, medication, and lifestyle changes, your dentist may suggest a more permanent treatment like repositioning splints, braces, or surgery.

As you can see, there are many options for treating your TMD. Your dentist may resort to reversible treatments like taking over-the-counter medicine, an appliance, or stress techniques first when helping you heal your jaw. On the other hand, braces could be the best treatment for you if some other, more gentle approaches don’t work and they may refer you to an orthodontist.

Take the first step towards achieving a healthier, more beautiful smile with an assessment at Matza Orthodontics. Dr. Matza specializes in providing personalized orthodontic treatment to help you achieve the beautiful and healthy smile you deserve. Contact us today at (561) 368-3480 and check our IG @matzaorthodontics to learn more.

Reference: [https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/temporomandibular-disorder/do-braces-help-treat-tmd#]