TMJ problems can arise from different causes, but in many cases, braces are one of the most effective forms of treatment. If you suffer from TMJ disorder (commonly just called TMJ), MB Orthodontics may be able to provide the solution!
What is TMJ?
TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint. You have this joint on each side of your jaw, attaching your jaw to the bottom of your skull. The muscles near them open and close your mouth. If the joint gets out of line or can’t move properly, you can suffer with TMJ disorder. Up to 15% of adults have this, mostly from the ages of 20 to 40.
Symptoms of TMJ
The most common symptoms of TMJ are:
- Pain in one or both jaw joints
- Earaches
- Pain when you chew
- Pain in your face or neck
- Stiff muscles in your jaw
- Change in how your teeth fit together
Causes of TMJ
The most common cause of TMJ is simply that the piece of cartilage in the joint slips out of place. TMJ can also be caused by an injury, dislocated jaw, or arthritis.
Other common causes of TMJ? Grinding or clenching your teeth, and teeth or jaws that don’t line up correctly. This is where orthodontic treatment comes in!
When Braces Are the Solution
Braces are one of the most common and effective treatments for TMJ.
If TMJ is caused by issues with your bite, straightening your teeth and aligning your jaws with braces can be the solution. Orthodontic treatment can adjust how your teeth are aligned relative to each other on both of your jaws, eliminating TMJ pain.
When TMJ is caused by teeth grinding or jaw clenching, braces can help with these cases, too. A lot of teeth grinding or jaw clenching is caused by misaligned teeth. Even if your teeth are straight, you can have jaw alignment problems. Braces to the rescue!
Unfortunately, not all TMJ causes can be fixed by braces. That’s why it’s important to have a consultation with a professional who can help diagnose the cause of your individual TMJ pain. Then you can decide if braces would be the right treatment option for you.
MB Orthodontics Offers Free Consultations
If you are suffering from TMJ, very likely it could be due to a problem with teeth or jaw misalignment.
We can give you a professional diagnosis with a free consultation from Dr. Brown at MB Orthodontics. Give us a call at 972-317-4030 and let’s see if we could provide the solution for your TMJ pain!
