Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions that can lead to dysfunction in the jaw joint. It is essential that you take the necessary precautions so as not to let this happen to you. Muscles that control the movement of the jaw can get affected, too. TMJ is basically what connects your jaw to the skull.
Some disorders involving the jaw result from injuries, while others can have unknown causes. There are times when it cannot be said with certainty as to what led to the TMD. You need to get it checked if you have a hint that you might be having the condition.
Leaving it like that can further complicate the condition and may cause various other issues as well. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, you need to give up on it. This habit can make things worse.
Furthermore, jaw trauma or feeling tenderness in the jaw area can make things even worse. We know that Invisalign can help with teeth alignment issues.
Misalignment can lead to TMJ. Therefore, correcting alignment issues can save you from developing TMJ. Check with a dentist in Leesburg, VA, and treat your misalignment issues.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?
There are various symptoms that can indicate the presence of disorders, so it is essential you do not overlook them and get them checked first. Let us have a look at some of those of the symptoms:
- Tenderness in the jaw
- An uncomfortable feeling while trying to chew
- Whenever you are moving your jaw, you might hear a popping or clicking sound.
- Experiencing locking of the jaw
- Pain in the entire face
- Having headaches or experiencing ear aches.
There is no exact cause as to what leads to the TMJ disorder. Arthritis, injury to the jaw, constant grinding of teeth, etc, are some of the things that can lead to such disorders.
How are Invisalign and TMJ related?
As you know, Invisalign alignment is the clear aligner that helps in making the teeth straight by putting them back in their position. Gradually, the set of lighters is worn for about two weeks, and then they are changed with the new one.
This is very helpful for people who have alignment issues and want their teeth to be back in position to have a better look. Invisalign can also have a role in TMJ; let us see how:
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Helping with the alignment:
If you have misaligned teeth, that can impact your job by putting stress on it, and that can lead to TMJ disorder since Invisalign is known to put them back in their position can lift up the stress from your jaws and thereby can improve the symptoms of TMJ disorder.
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Lessening the grinding habit:
Those suffering from TMJ have a habit of teeth grinding, and it usually takes place at night. Having precise alignment can prevent people from having the direct effect of their grinding on teeth, thereby reducing the chances of developing TMJ disorder or making it worse.
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Making the bite better for people:
Since Invisalign is also known to help people with white alignment, it can help put the balance force on different parts of teeth, thereby making the TMJ disorder better and alleviating the discomfort.
What are the treatment options for TMJ disorders?
Apart from Invisalign, these things can also help in TMJ disorders:
- You can have a customized treatment plan that fits your needs.
- Splints and night guards can be effective, too. You can get rid of your teeth grinding and other problems by making use of these things.
- Making specific changes in your lifestyle can also have a positive impact.
Alleviate the symptoms of TMJ disorders!
It is essential that you seek help from a professional and do not come to conclusions on your own. If you are seeing any of the symptoms of this disorder, then consult a dentist in your area. They can tell you what the treatment options will be and which one will be the best for you.