If you were to approach most people on the street in Hillsboro and Cincinnati, they likely are unaware of the state of their temporomandibular joint. It is an important part of your oral anatomy, and TMJ disorders are often very disruptive. Thacker Orthodontics is here to talk about TMJ disorders and how braces can help them.
Understanding TMJ Issues: What You Might Not Know
Before we describe how orthodontic treatments can help resolve these disorders, we want to give you a few initial facts about them that may surprise you.
- TMJ issues affect more women than men. Hormonal differences and higher rates of joint hypermobility may contribute to the prevalence of TMD in women.
- TMJ disorders can have multiple causes. While misalignment (malocclusion) is a common factor, stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, and even poor posture can contribute to TMJ pain.
- Clicking or popping in the jaw isn’t always a sign of TMJ disorder. Some people have noisy jaw joints without experiencing pain or dysfunction.
- It’s not just about jaw pain. TMJ disorders can cause headaches, neck pain, earaches, dizziness, and even ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
How Can Braces Assist?
Getting braces with the help of Dr. Jim and Dr. MaryEvan can be hugely transformative for patients with jaw issues. Here are a few of the primary ways orthodontic treatment is used to tackle TMJ disorders:
1. Correcting Bite Misalignment
One of the biggest contributors to TMJ disorders is a bad bite (malocclusion)—meaning your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly. Malocclusion can cause excess stress on the TMJ, leading to discomfort and pain.
Modern metal braces can fix various types of bite misalignment, including:
- Overbites: When the upper teeth stick out too far over the lower teeth
- Underbites: When the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth
- Crossbites: When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside
- Open bites: When the front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed
By correcting your bite, braces apply even pressure distribution across your jaw, reducing unnecessary strain on the TMJ.
2. Reducing Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) & Clenching
Many people with TMJ disorders also suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), especially at night. In many cases, they aren’t even aware of it until we look closer at their teeth. Bruxism can:
- Put excess pressure on the TMJ
- Wear down tooth enamel
- Cause symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and facial tension
Braces help correct misalignment, which can in turn reduce the urge to grind or clench by ensuring the teeth meet in a natural, relaxed position.
3. Preventing Long-Term TMJ Damage
If left untreated, TMJ disorders can lead to permanent joint damage and worsening chronic symptoms over time. Chronic jaw misalignment can cause:
- Erosion of the TMJ cartilage
- Increased inflammation
- Long-term difficulty chewing and speaking
Your braces will provide a long-term solution by addressing the root cause of the problem—misalignment—rather than just masking symptoms with temporary treatments like pain relievers can do.
Supplemental Support
In addition to braces alone, there are other tools and therapies at your disposal to help manage symptoms. You can ask our Thacker Orthodontics team about these additional resources if you’re curious about more information.
1. Nightguards & Splints: A custom-made orthodontic nightguard or splint is one of the most common treatments for TMJ disorders, especially if bruxism or clenching is a contributing factor.
How They Help:
- Prevent teeth grinding: Nightguards act as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, preventing enamel wear and reducing TMJ strain.
- Reduce jaw tension: Splints help guide the jaw into a better position, easing pressure on the TMJ.
- Minimize headaches and facial pain: By relieving tension in the jaw muscles, nightguards can help reduce headaches, earaches, and facial discomfort.
2. Physical Therapy & Jaw Exercises: TMJ disorders often stem from muscle tightness or joint stiffness, which can be improved with physical therapy and targeted exercises.
Common TMJ Exercises:
- Jaw Relaxation Techniques: Hold your tongue at the roof of your mouth while slowly opening and closing your jaw.
- Resisted Mouth Opening & Closing: Place gentle resistance under your chin and slowly open and close your mouth.
- Side-to-Side & Forward Jaw Movements: Strengthens jaw muscles and increases mobility.
- Stretching & Massage: Gently massage the jaw joints and surrounding muscles to reduce tightness.
3. Heat & Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the jaw can help temporarily relieve muscle tension and reduce inflammation.
- Heat Therapy (For Muscle Tension & Stiffness): Apply a warm compress or heating pad to the jaw area for 15-20 minutes to relax tight jaw muscles.
- Cold Therapy (For Swelling & Inflammation): Wrap an ice pack in a towel and hold it against the jaw for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and numb pain.
A Deeper Understanding
Our doctors are orthodontists by title, but they are also educators, along with our amazing team. Remember that questions are always welcome—no patient should ever feel kept in the dark during their treatment. We’ll see you soon in Hillsboro or Cincinnati.