If your jaw clicks, locks, or sends sharp pains through your face, it’s easy to feel frustrated. TMJ disorder can make something as simple as chewing or talking uncomfortable. Searching for answers often leads to a mix of solutions, including braces. While braces are known for straightening teeth, they also help correct bite issues, which can sometimes relieve TMJ discomfort. If misalignment is part of the problem, orthodontic treatment might be worth considering.
Moon Orthodontics offers personalized care in Overland Park and Olathe to help determine the best approach. Dr. Moon works with patients to assess whether braces or another treatment could provide lasting relief from TMJ pain.
What Should You Know About TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and helps you chew, speak, and move your mouth. This joint moves like a sliding hinge, but when something throws it off balance, the results can be painful. Inflammation, strain, or alignment problems can make even small movements feel stiff and uncomfortable.
TMJ disorder affects people in different ways. For some, it comes and goes, while others deal with ongoing discomfort. A misaligned bite, grinding teeth, stress, or an injury can all contribute to the problem. Identifying what’s causing your symptoms is the first step toward relief.
TMJ Symptoms to Be Aware Of
Jaw pain is the most obvious sign of TMJ disorder, but there are other symptoms to watch for:
- Clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth
- Jaw stiffness or limited movement
- Headaches, earaches, or facial pain
- Pain while chewing
- A feeling of pressure or swelling around the jaw
These symptoms can range from mild to severe. If they persist or interfere with daily activities, it’s time to look into treatment options.
What Causes TMJ Problems?
Several factors can put extra stress on the TMJ. Moon Orthodontics often notices the following causes:
Misaligned Bite
Teeth that don’t fit together properly force the jaw to work harder. Over time, this strain can lead to pain and discomfort.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Many people clench their jaw without realizing it, especially during sleep. Constant pressure on the joint can cause inflammation and soreness.
Injury or Trauma
A direct hit to the jaw from a fall, accident, or sports injury can damage the TMJ. Even minor trauma can lead to long-term issues.
Stress and Tension
Tightening your jaw in response to stress can overwork the surrounding muscles. If this becomes a habit, the pain can build up over time.
Can Braces Help TMJ Disorder?
If TMJ pain is connected to bite misalignment, braces could be part of the solution. Correcting the way your teeth fit together helps relieve strain on the jaw, making everyday movements feel more natural. Over time, a properly aligned bite can reduce TMJ symptoms and prevent future issues.
Braces gradually shift teeth into a healthier position, by adjusting how your upper and lower teeth come together can ease the extra pressure on the TMJ. The results depend on the severity of the misalignment and how much strain it puts on the joint. Orthodontic treatment isn’t a guaranteed fix for TMJ, but for some people, it makes a noticeable difference.
Other Ways to Manage TMJ Pain
Braces aren’t the only option. Depending on the cause of your TMJ symptoms, other treatments may provide relief.
- A custom nightguard can reduce the impact of grinding or clenching.
- Jaw exercises may improve mobility and loosen tight muscles.
- Anti-inflammatory medication can ease discomfort.
- Heat or ice therapy might help with swelling or tension.
- Avoiding hard or chewy foods can prevent further irritation.
A combination of treatments often works best. If TMJ symptoms are linked to a misaligned bite, braces might be part of a long-term solution.
Find the Right Treatment for You
TMJ pain can make even the simplest tasks feel like a challenge, but there are ways to find relief. If a misaligned bite is part of the problem, orthodontic treatment might help. A free consultation at Moon Orthodontics in Overland Park and Olathe can give you a clearer picture of what’s going on with your jaw and whether braces or another approach would be the best fit.
If TMJ symptoms have been interfering with your daily life, now is the time to explore your options. Finding the right treatment can make all the difference.