Preventing TMJ With Orthodontics
- Posted on: Dec 19 2016
- Leave a response
It is never fun to deal with TMJ, or temporal mandibular joint disorder. When the jaw joints have any type of problem it leads to misalignment that makes you more susceptible to TMJ. With orthodontics, it is possible to prevent TMJ before it even begins. That is why at Clocktower Dental we provide orthodontics as part of our dental services.
If you have a stressful lifestyle it is even more common to suffer from TMJ, especially if you have some underlying alignment issue in your jaw. This disorder is also correlated with teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and other issues and is a common cause of headaches.
Not Just About Aesthetics
Orthodontics are not just about creating a beautiful smile by fixing overbites, underbites, spacing, and/or crowding in the mouth. It also is able to help fix alignment problems in the jaw that underline TMJ disorder. Untreated TMJ causes intense pain and discomfort, including headaches. There might even be damage to the nerves that could become permanent over time if left untreated. It might also limit the mobility of the jaw, which might also affect how well you can chew and swallow your food. Fixing the alignment with orthodontics also fixes the issues related to TMJ.
Benefits of Orthodontics for TMJ
It is common to treat TMJ with mouth guards and other orthodontic treatments such as oral TMD splints. However, it is even better to take strides early to fix the underlying issue before it starts to cause pain and other issues. Traditional braces, Invisalign®, and other orthodontics have the potential to fix any joint or alignment issues early, especially when done during the formative years. By fixing the alignment problem of your teeth, the jaw will be back at its optimal place, reducing the extra stress and relieving TMJ.
Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment
If you have TMJ or feel that you or your child is at risk of developing it, then contact us at Clocktower Dental to schedule an appointment. We will review your case and determine the best course of action for you.
Posted in: Uncategorized