Do you wake with an aching jaw or suffer from headaches? Is it difficult to open your mouth to speak or chew? If so, you could be coping with a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. Fortunately, your dentist can help address it with several solutions, including Invisalign. If this sounds like you, keep reading to learn more about how Invisalign can help resolve your jaw pain!
What Is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint is a sliding joint with a disc that connects your jawbone to your skull. When it’s working properly it provides a wide range of motion and is essential to form words and sounds, as well as hold food in your mouth. If it becomes inflamed it can be difficult to open and close without discomfort.
There are several factors that contribute to a swollen TMJ including:
- Muscle tension.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism).
- Jaw injury or misalignment.
- Magnesium deficiency (particularly for women during childbearing years)
Can Invisalign Help with TMJ?
If you’re desperate to ease your jaw, call your dentist. Fortunately, there are a few methods that can help. Traditional orthodontics historically have been used to correct problems with jaw alignments, but they’re not the only choice available anymore.
Invisalign is a discreet way to reorient your teeth and jaw. It consists of trays made of clear plastic that are customized to fit snuggly over your pearly whites to shift them gently to their ideal places. In some cases, it can also correct alignment issues like an overbite or underbite that could be putting extra pressure on your jaw. As a result, completing Invisalign treatment often clears up TMJ concerns.
Not only that, but many patients report that the plastic aligners keep them from grinding their teeth which also helps prevent pain in the jawbone.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Invisalign may not be the optimal solution in every situation. Depending on your unique circumstances and the condition of your teeth and jaw, your dentist might recommend a different treatment, like traditional braces or mouth splints, to alleviate unnecessary pressure on your joint. If you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, they’ll begin work getting yours created so that you can begin treatment as soon as possible.
It may take 12-18 months to finish your Invisalign treatment, but you likely won’t have to wait that long for relief from those awful jaw aches. Many people see results and major changes within 2-3 months.
TMJ-related problems don’t have to be permanent! Contact your dentist today and ask whether Invisalign can help you with a well-deserved reprieve.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Daaboul graduated from Texas A&M University and then earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. He has 2 decades of experience and continuing education, so his patients get the most up-to-date treatments available. He and his dedicated dental team know that alignment issues can impact both your health and your emotional well-being. If you’re interested in Invisalign, you’re welcome to contact the office on the website or by calling (817) 646-1009.