Invisalign is a popular treatment for the convenience it offers and its subtle appearance. It can fix an array of dental alignment issues, and it can grant a person renewed confidence in their smile. But is fixing TMJ with Invisalign in Hamden also possible? In this blog post, we will discuss what the TMJ is and how Invisalign may be able to help relieve disorders that plague it.
What Is the TMJ?
Many people are under the impression that the TMJ is a medical condition. In fact, it is a part of the human body. It is the joint, located just in front of the ears, that controls movement of the lower jaw. Disorders of the TMJ are sometimes referred to simply as TMJ, but it would be more accurate to refer to them as TMD (TMJ dysfunction).
TMD can afflict anyone, but it is most common in women of childbearing age. Symptoms often include a sore jaw, difficulty chewing, headaches, neckaches, and more. The most conservative treatments involve at-home self-care, but in some cases, surgery is the best course of action. Invisalign in Hamden as a TMD treatment falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.
Invisalign and TMD
There has been extensive research into whether Invisalign can fix TMD. In many cases, it has proved beneficial. There are a few ways in which it may be able to help:
- Invisalign aligners place a barrier between the top and bottom teeth at night, which can prevent bruxism (unconscious teeth grinding and clenching). Bruxism may cause or worsen TMD.
- The aligners can correct bite problems. When the top and bottom teeth do not fit together properly — for example, if you have an underbite or overbite — that can place a lot of stress on the TMJ. Addressing bite problems may improve the TMJ’s function.
Will Invisalign Work for You?
Although Invisalign has shown promise as a way to treat TMD, it is important that you consult with a qualified dentist before you draw any conclusions about what you should do. Whether Invisalign will help you find relief from your jaw pain depends on what is causing the problem in the first place. Your dentist will assess your bite, ask you about your daily habits, and examine your mouth before they can determine how best to approach your TMD.
If you have significant dental alignment problems along with your TMD, it is more likely that Invisalign will be a fit for you. However, if your teeth are already somewhat well-aligned, your dentist may gravitate toward other possible solutions.
Invisalign may prove to be a powerful ally in your fight against TMJ dysfunction! If you would like to learn more about its potential as a way to relieve chronic jaw pain, your local dental team would be pleased to help.
Meet the Practice
The team of dentists at New Haven Dental Group in Hamden are proud to offer a broad range of services, including Invisalign. We also provide dedicated TMJ therapy, which is often the fastest way to relieve TMD pain. If you are struggling with TMD or are thinking about straightening your teeth, we will be able to discuss your treatment options. Contact us at 203-806-9257.