Reducing TMJ Symptoms with Invisalign

Invisalign® treatments can help reduce symptoms of TMJ. These symptoms often include pain and tenderness in the jaw or around the ear that makes it difficult to chew or swallow. Opening and closing the mouth may be uncomfortable, and patients could experience a popping or clicking noise when moving their jaw. Some may have their jaw lock up completely. Less common but still unpleasant is experiencing ringing in the ears.

Who should consider Invisalign® for TMJ treatment?

TMJ is more commonly found in those who have experienced a jaw injury, who suffer from arthritis, or who have a problem with their jaw alignment. People who have developed habits of clenching or grinding their teeth increase their potential for developing problems with TMJ. Women often lose magnesium during childbearing years, also creating a risk for these disorders. Though some try to self-medicate or use self-care practices to reduce pain and discomfort, dentists may recommend the use of clear aligners to alleviate the symptoms associated with TMJ.

Invisalign® treatment benefits for those with TMJ

Given the correlation between teeth and jaw positioning and pain in the jaw, treatments that correct bite issues or move teeth into alignment often alleviate jaw pressure and pain. The Invisalign® process is one of the most advanced clear aligner systems available, relying on two decades of innovation for enhanced patient results. The plastic trays are fitted to the mouth, then over the course of the treatment plan, they slowly shift teeth into position. The trays are changed every few weeks as teeth begin to move.

What kind of results can be expected?

For those dealing with TMJ pain, the ultimate goal of any treatment plan is to reduce any of the symptoms that affect their quality of life. For people who choose to use clear aligners, consistency in how often the aligners are worn will impact the success of treatment. In addition to the corrective measures that aligners can provide, a dentist may recommend remedies to help with pain more quickly. These could include:

• Altering the diet to include more soft foods
• Massaging and strengthening the jaw muscles through exercises
• Applying hot or cold compresses to the side of the face

Exceptions to expected results

Not all conditions of TMJ can be fixed with aligners or braces. Individuals with severe arthritis of the jaw are not good candidates for this type of treatment. Those who deal with a hormonal imbalance are also less likely to see the same results as those who deal with TMJ because of a bite or alignment issue. In these cases, a dentist will determine the cause of the condition and prescribe alternative forms of treatment.

Conclusion

For people who are tired of the soreness and irritation caused by eating and jaw movements, a visit to the dentist could give them some peace of mind. A diagnosis of TMJ can allow an individual to see if an Invisalign® treatment plan would be an effective way to alleviate their symptoms.

Are you considering Invisalign® in the Lilburn area? Get more information at https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Lilburn, GA.