If your jaw is often tender, or you find it hard to chew or swallow, you may have TMJ disorder. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can be a painful and debilitating condition that interrupts your daily life. Surprisingly, Invisalign could hold a solution.
While Invisalign is renowned for its role in straightening teeth, it can have other oral health benefits. Continue reading to see how this orthodontic solution can provide not only a straighter smile but also relief from jaw discomfort and pain.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint, located between your lower jawbone and skull, functions like a hinge, allowing you to open and close your mouth. It’s like the knee or elbow of your jaw and can be just as temperamental when overused.
When the muscles that support this joint are aggravated by a misaligned bite, teeth grinding or clenching, or excessive chewing, it can become tender and cause pain throughout your face. This can make it difficult to perform essential tasks like eating and brushing your teeth.
How Can Invisalign Help With TMJ Disorder?
If you have a history of TMJ, you might be desperate to find some relief. Invisalign is an orthodontic system that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. While this is its primary purpose, many have found it useful for aiding them with symptoms of TMJ.
During your Invisalign treatment, you’ll be required to wear the trays for 22 hours a day—even while you sleep. These aligners act as a cushion between your teeth, decreasing the intensity of any grinding or clenching.
Also, at the end of your treatment, your teeth will be perfectly aligned, and any bite issues will be resolved. Eliminating your potentially misaligned bite will further reduce the likelihood of repeated TMJ pain. This will allow you to resume normal activity without fear of flare-ups.
Invisalign is not magic, nor does it guarantee a complete end to all your TMJ symptoms, but it has vastly reduced these occurrences in many people. If you still have questions about whether Invisalign treatment can work for you, contact your dentist and schedule a consultation.
About the Practice
Dr. Diana Vazquez and Dr. Jose Aldana form a highly skilled and dedicated team with patient care first in mind. Both dentists earned their doctorates from the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry and have since continued their education through professional organizations and training courses. To schedule an Invisalign consultation at Soleil Dental, call (214) 304-2112 or visit the website to explore additional services.