Is your jaw constantly sore for seemingly no reason? Jaw pain usually doesn’t go away on its own, but when it becomes chronic, it’s important to visit your dentist to find out the root cause of your pain. They might tell you that your bite isn’t aligned in the way that it should be. Bite alignment issues are a common precursor to disorders of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect your jawbone to your skull. Without treatment, TMJ problems can worsen over time. Since Invisalign can realign unbalanced bites, you might be wondering: can your dentist alleviate your pain by fixing TMJ with Invisalign? Find out by reading more below!
How a Misaligned Bite Could Cause Jaw Pain
An uneven bite is one of the most common reasons for an increased risk of TMJ disorders. When the upper and lower jaws don’t come together properly, your jaw joints sustain disproportionate amounts of force. This causes chronic soreness in your jaw as well as your facial muscles.
Minor cases of TMJ can sometimes be fixed at home, but more severe cases require injections or even surgery. Luckily, Invisalign in West Orange is specifically designed to correct uneven bites and relieve TMJ pain without being invasive.
How Invisalign Can Help with TMJ
Invisalign works to straighten teeth and realign the bite with clear plastic trays that gently and gradually move the teeth. The treatment is personalized to target specific areas of your smile and alter the way in which your top and bottom jaws meet. When worn for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day, the aligners not only correct your bite, but create cushioning for your teeth. This minimizes wear and tear on your tooth enamel caused by chronic teeth grinding, which is a common side effect of TMJ disorders.
If you’re interested in relieving your jaw pain without the need for invasive procedures, then Invisalign may be right for you. That being said, the only way to know for sure is to consult with an orthodontist or dentist who provides Invisalign. They can evaluate your case and determine whether fixing TMJ with Invisalign is the best option for you.
You don’t have to deal with chronic jaw pain forever. Reach out to your dentist today to learn more about how you can enjoy a healthy, pain-free smile!
About the Author
Dr. Med Dawoud is a highly skilled and experienced dentist in West Orange, NJ who offers a wide variety of dental treatments under one roof, such as dental implant placement and sleep apnea therapy. He is also a certified Invisalign provider and has performed many difficult Invisalign cases with great success. He also offers other TMJ treatments, including custom nightguards. To learn whether Invisalign in West Orange is just the thing your smile needs, you can contact D&G Dental of West Orange at 973-731-2200.