Can Braces Help with TMJ?

Your temporomandibular joint, commonly called TMJ, is a synovial joint, which means it has a disc associated with the joint. Between where the lower jaw and the skull meet is a disc, which slides along the skull every time you open and close your mouth. Sometimes the joint can develop a disorder known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ disorder.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

• Causes of TMJ disorder include:

• Bruxism (teeth grinding or jaw clenching)

• A misaligned bite

• Injury

• Overuse of the joint

Braces and TMJ Disorder

Whether braces can help treat TMJ disorder depends on the cause of the specific case. If it is caused by a misaligned bite or bruxism, braces are often the solution. Sometimes a misaligned bite and bruxism go hand in hand as a cause of TMJ disorder, because many people with a misaligned bite develop a habit of clenching or grinding their teeth during times of stress or anxiety, or while sleeping. The constant use of the joint can weaken the joint and cause TMJ disorder.

A misaligned jaw alone can cause TMJ disorder, even if you don’t grind or clench your teeth. It’s possible to have straight teeth with a misaligned jaw, so ask your dentist or orthodontist to check for this. Braces can help in these cases by correcting the alignment of the jaw.

Braces are not the solution if your TMJ disorder is caused by injury, overuse of the joint, or if you have bruxism but no jaw misalignment.

If you think you have TMJ disorder, call or visit Ridge View Dental to schedule an appointment. We can assess your specific case to determine the cause and what type of treatment is best for you.