Do you struggle with symptoms like jaw pain, sore facial muscles, headaches, and teeth grinding? There is a very real chance that you have TMJ disorder (TMD), a condition that afflicts the joints that control your lower jaw. The good news is that TMD is highly treatable — but what treatment is best for your unique case? Can braces help, or will you benefit most from a different type of TMJ therapy? This blog post shares important information.
What Causes TMD?
While TMD is often referred to as one condition, it actually encompasses a broad range of problems that afflict the temporomandibular joints (jaw joints, also called TMJs). TMD can also have quite a few different causes including stress, teeth grinding, injury, arthritis, and more. The best treatment for each case depends on the details of the situation at hand.
In many cases, dental misalignment is a major contributing factor to TMD. If your teeth and jaws are not well-aligned, that can create a lot of extra work for your TMJs. In turn, they may become sore and inflamed, leading to the range of symptoms that characterize TMJ disorder.
How Braces Might Help
Braces or Invisalign can be a suitable way to address the dental misalignment that causes TMJ disorder. As your teeth and jaws gradually move into their proper places and start to work harmoniously together, the stress on your TMJs should ease. This can lead to long-term symptom relief.
Your dentist can evaluate the positioning of your teeth to determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary in your unique situation.
Other Effective TMJ Therapies
Orthodontia is certainly necessary in some cases, but results can take months or even years. Braces and Invisalign also tend to cost thousands of dollars. Therefore, your dental team is likely to recommend more conservative treatments for your TMD if the situation allows for it.
For example, you might need something as simple as an occlusal splint, a customized oral appliance that prevents teeth grinding and helps your lower jaw to rest in the correct position. BOTOX injections can also be used to relieve muscle tension and greatly reduce your pain level.
Orthodontic care might help you find lasting freedom from TMJ disorder! Consult with a qualified dental professional to learn about your treatment options.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Tamara Kasmikha is a highly skilled general dentist who focuses on providing efficient, comfortable, and effective care. She offers multiple forms of TMJ treatment, including occlusal splints, BOTOX injections, and orthodontia. To learn more about her and how our team may be able to help you cope with TMD, contact our office in Sterling Heights at 586-803-1901.