If you’re struggling with TMJ pain, you might have heard that Invisalign can help—but is it true? TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder affects the joints connecting your jaw to your skull, causing symptoms like jaw pain, clicking sounds, and headaches. While Invisalign is primarily known for straightening teeth, it can sometimes provide relief for TMJ symptoms by addressing bite misalignment. At Cary Family Dental in Cary, IL, we’re breaking down how Invisalign might help and whether it’s a good option for TMJ relief.
What Causes TMJ Issues?
TMJ disorders can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, jaw injuries, arthritis, or an uneven bite. When your teeth don’t line up correctly, it puts extra pressure on your jaw muscles and joints, leading to pain and discomfort. Misalignment can also cause you to clench or grind your teeth (a condition known as bruxism), which often worsens TMJ symptoms.
How Invisalign Can Help
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that gradually shifts your teeth into their ideal positions over time. So how does this relate to TMJ? By correcting bite alignment and ensuring your upper and lower teeth fit together properly, Invisalign can potentially reduce some of the stress on your jaw joints. This, in turn, may alleviate TMJ symptoms such as:
1. Jaw Pain or Tenderness
Invisalign may help reduce the tension in the jaw muscles by aligning your bite correctly, relieving some of the pain.
2. Clicking or Popping Sounds In The Jaw
By improving your bite, Invisalign can minimize the jaw misalignment that often causes clicking or popping sounds.
3. Headaches or Earaches
Addressing the root cause of bite misalignment may lessen the frequency of tension headaches and earaches related to TMJ.
4. Tension in the Neck and Shoulders
Improving bite alignment with Invisalign can ease muscle strain in your neck and shoulders, reducing overall tension.
Can Retainers Help After Invisalign Treatment?
After completing Invisalign treatment, wearing a retainer is essential to maintain your newly aligned smile. Interestingly, some patients find that wearing their retainers at night also acts as a mild form of protection, similar to a mouthguard. This can help prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which are major contributors to TMJ pain. However, if you suffer from significant bruxism or jaw issues, a custom-made nightguard will be a better solution. Nightguards are specifically designed to absorb the pressure from grinding and provide more comprehensive protection for your teeth and jaw.
Finding TMJ Relief At Cary Family Dental In Cary, IL
Wondering if Invisalign could help ease your TMJ discomfort? At Cary Family Dental in Cary, IL, Dr. Niraj Patel and our team are experienced in treating both bite misalignment and TMJ issues. We’ll help you explore all your TMJ treatment options, whether it’s Invisalign, retainers, or a custom nightguard, so you can find the relief you need and restore comfort to your daily life. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
Schedule your appointment today to keep your smile healthy and bright!