Our Langley Straight Smile dentists offer Invisalign® as a discrete way to straighten your teeth. But did you know that in some cases TMJ pain may also be alleviated? We are here to explain.
What Causes TMJ Pain?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint which can be affected by disorders or conditions of the jaw joints and surrounding muscles and ligaments. It can be caused by trauma, an improper bite, arthritis, or wear and tear from things you wouldn't expect like chewing on the end of your pencil.
Common symptoms include jaw tenderness, headaches, earaches, and pain.
Can Invisalign Help TMJ Pain?
Under the right circumstances, TMJ pain has been known to be reduced thanks to Invisalign technology. Contact a Straight Smile Centres member practice in Langley to learn about your options and see if Invisalign clear aligners are the right options for you.
How Does Invisalign Help With TMJ Pain?
During their Invisalign treatment, patients wear their clear aligners for 20-22 hours per day, including when they’re sleeping. While they’re in your mouth, your Invisalign aligners act as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against one another. Because your teeth aren’t in direct contact with each other, your aligners will protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding. They can also protect you from the symptoms of TMJ disorder, such as jaw pain and facial fatigue.
While having a properly aligned bite at the end of your treatment can help minimize or eliminate the symptoms of TMJ disorder, Invisalign can help in other ways. The treatment can reprogram your jaw muscles to reduce teeth grinding, for example. Your Invisalign clear aligners can also condition your jaw muscles to be more efficient, which can reduce wear and lessen the discomfort commonly affiliated with TMJ disorder.
Is Invisalign Right For Me?
People often associate Invisalign with those who are focused more on appearance than function. But that couldn't be further from the case because Invisalign treatments are more powerful than one might think.
By aligning your teeth, Invisalign reduces the stress on your TMJ which, in turn, lessens the inflammation and pain caused by TMJ disorder.