Can Braces Make TMJ Worse?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Braces will not cause or cure problems with TMJ . However, pain relief may be obtained by fixing two types of bite issues. A cross bite and an open bite may contribute to TMJ dysfunction, therefore correcting those is important. Remember braces do not cause TMJ problems!

Can orthodontic braces cause TMJ?

Taddeo is often asked if braces can cause TMJ disorder. Fortunately, this is not an uncommon question. Scientific research has proven that there is no direct correlation between braces or any other type of orthodontic treatment and TMJ disorder .

Can orthodontic treatment causes TMJ?

While orthodontic treatment does not cause TMJ issues , studies also show that it cannot prevent or treat TMJ pain either.

Does orthodontic treatment cause TMD?

Because orthodontic treatment lasts around 2 years, orthodontic patients may complain about TMD during or after treatment and orthodontists may be blamed for causing TMD by unsatisfied patients .

Can braces cause jaw and ear pain?

However, people who need braces have teeth alignment issues that can extend to the jaw and cause pain similar to TMJ. You may also experience jaw pain and tension as braces work to realign teeth. Again, this is not TMJ directly but can feel like it.

How do you permanently cure TMJ?

  1. Custom-made splints. Custom-made splints are made to be fitted over your lower or upper teeth. ...
  2. Physical therapy. Physical therapy involves appropriate exercises for the joint. ...
  3. Surgery. ...
  4. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.

Do braces mess up your jaw?

This tension created by the braces in order to move your teeth and align your bite can occasionally create an imbalance between the lower and upper jaws, thus irritating the temporomandibular joint.

Can fixing your bite fix TMJ?

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.

How long does it take to cure TMJ?

It can take several weeks to have a proper splint constructed, but once it is, you should see relief in 1-2 months . For some patients, mouth reconstruction is necessary to achieve long-term relief from TMJ. This may require several months to complete.

Can TMJ move your teeth?

One of the symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is that your teeth may begin to shift or not line up the way they used to.

How do you unlock your jaw?

Repeat small mouth-opening and mouth-closing movements several times as a warm up. Then, place your fingers on the top of your front four bottom teeth. Slowly pull down until you feel slight discomfort on the tight side of your jaw. Hold for 30 seconds, and then slowly release your jaw back to the staring position.

How I cured my TMJ naturally?

  1. Eat Soft Foods. One of the best ways to start finding relief from TMJ pain is by simply just eating softer foods. ...
  2. Learn Stress Management. One of the top causes of TMJ is actually stress. ...
  3. Wear a Bite Guard. ...
  4. Limit Jaw Movements. ...
  5. Try Acupuncture or Massage Therapy. ...
  6. Use Heat or Cold Therapy.

How should I sleep if I have TMJ?

Laying on your side with a hand under your pillow can also exacerbate the symptoms of TMD. This damaging sleep position creates a misalignment for your head and neck, making TMJ pain very likely. The best sleep position for TMD is sleeping on your back in order to keep your head and neck properly aligned.

What is the main cause of TMJ?

Sometimes the main cause is excessive strain on the jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain may be a result of bruxism. This is the habitual, involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth. But trauma to the jaw, the head, or the neck may cause TMD.

Why do my teeth look worse with braces?

During the process of alignment , especially during the first 6 months, you may notice that things look worse before they look better. Here’s why: Although your teeth may be crooked or spaced out when you start treatment, they have usually drifted into a position where they are stable and functional.

Do orthodontist whiten teeth after braces?

Depending on your oral health habits, your teeth might actually be darker if you had foods with dyes, tooth decay problems or didn’t brush and floss often. If your teeth aren’t white, don’t fret! Most patients do teeth whitening after their braces to get their new straight smile sparkling.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.