Canal Side Family Dental is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
TMJ disorder, often called TMD or even just TMJ, is a complex condition that affects the jaw joint. It can cause a whole slew of symptoms, including painful chewing, headaches, neckaches, temporary hearing loss, and more. If you are struggling with this condition, you may wonder what your treatment options are. Well, the best treatment varies from case to case. However, in some instances, fixing TMJ with Invisalign is possible. This blog post discusses how clear aligners may be able to relieve your pain and improve your jaw health.
Misaligned Bite: A Possible Cause of TMD
TMD can have numerous causes, but one of the most talked-about is a misaligned bite (otherwise known as malocclusion). When your mouth is closed, your top and bottom teeth should rest comfortably together. However, if they do not meet in the way they should, your jaw joint has to compensate for that misalignment when you are chewing or speaking. This exposes it to extra stress and can strain the jaw as well as the surrounding facial muscles.
Some forms of malocclusion that may contribute to TMD include:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
Correcting Malocclusion with Invisalign
When Invisalign first hit the market a few decades ago, it was largely regarded as a cosmetic treatment. Today, though, its performance has vastly improved. It is capable of correcting many serious orthodontic problems, including some cases of malocclusion.
Invisalign’s aligners often work along with other accessories to realign the teeth and train the jaw to rest in its proper position. Over time, this can lessen the stress on your jaw joint, reducing inflammation in it and allowing the nearby muscles to relax. It is common for patients who undergo orthodontic treatment to experience a reduction in their TMD symptoms.
Get Started on Treating TMD with Invisalign
If you would like to pursue Invisalign treatment with the goal of relieving your TMD, schedule a consultation with a qualified dentist. They will assess the alignment of your teeth and jaw before they let you know if Invisalign is right for you. If it looks like Invisalign could correct your malocclusion, your dentist will talk to you about the treatment journey ahead.
On the other hand, if Invisalign is not the best solution for you at this time, your dentist can help you understand other options for addressing your TMD. For example, some patients have found relief via at-home therapies, while others require much more extensive treatment, such as surgery.
Invisalign can do more than straighten your teeth — it might also be able to address your TMD! Your local dentist can help you decide whether it is right for you.
Meet the Practice
The team at Canal Side Family Dental features both general dentists and specialists. They work together to help patients enjoy optimum oral health. Invisalign is one of the many services they offer. If you are curious about whether it may be able to help you find relief from your TMD, our experts would be happy to consult with you. Contact us at 508-465-5256.