Can Braces Fix TMJ Disorder?

Your dentist can identify the reasons for discomfort or pain related to your teeth and gums with a dental exam. But sometimes, you can also experience these symptoms around the jaw, such as pain in the jaw when eating, speaking, or yawning.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause mild or severe pain in the area around your jaw. Most patients with TMD improve without treatment. Self-care may ease the symptoms, and a dentist may recommend medicine or a night guard when appropriate. Braces are not a first-line treatment for TMD, but they may be considered if a problem with your bite is contributing to the symptoms.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

Before looking at whether braces are used, it helps to understand TMJ disorder (TMD). The term TMJ refers to the joint itself, while TMD is used to refer to disorders of the joint that cause pain.

Your TMJ is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, particularly the mandible or lower jaw and the temporal bone on the side of the skull. The TMJ acts like a sliding hinge, allowing you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak, and perform other essential functions.

The exact causes of TMD can be diverse, including factors like:

• Physical injury
• Arthritis
• Grinding or clenching teeth during sleep
• Autoimmune diseases
• Dental surgery
• Infections
• Improperly fitted dentures
• Jaw misalignment
• Genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors

TMD can manifest in various ways and may cause symptoms such as the following:

• Jaw pain
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth
• Headaches
• Neck and back aches
• Earaches
• Buzzing, ringing, or numbness in the ears
• Difficulty chewing
• Limited jaw movement
• Severe discomfort

Treatment for TMD

Treatment for TMD varies depending on the severity and underlying cause. It can range from self-care practices and lifestyle adjustments to more advanced interventions, including surgery in rare cases. The Canadian Dental Association says most people get better without treatment.

Lifestyle Changes & Self-Care Practices

These lifestyle changes can help with mild to moderate symptoms of TMD:

• Avoid chewing gum
• Eat only soft foods
• Avoid clenching or tensing the jaw
• Do gentle jaw stretching exercises

Treatment for TMD caused by pre-existing conditions can include:

• Mouth guards for teeth grinding and clenching at night
• Steroid injections into the joint for osteoarthritis
• Over-the-counter pain medications to reduce pain and discomfort

Surgery

In extreme cases of TMD, surgery may be beneficial to reduce pain and restricted movement of the jaw caused by damage to the joint, the muscles surrounding the jaw, or another condition.

Are Braces Used to Treat TMJ Disorder?

Braces straighten teeth and correct bite problems. They are not the usual next step for jaw pain. The Canadian Dental Association recommends starting with conservative care, such as relaxing the jaw, eating softer foods, and using a night guard or splint when appropriate.

If the pain continues, your dentist may refer you to someone with extra training in jaw problems. That might be an orthodontist or an oral surgeon. In some cases, braces or other dental work may be used when a bad bite is part of the problem, but braces are not a general cure for TMD.

Your dentist will perform a thorough dental exam and may take X-rays before recommending treatment.

What Usually Eases TMJ Symptoms

The Canadian Dental Association suggests warm or cold compresses, gentle massage, a soft diet, and relaxing the jaw. A dentist may also recommend medicine or a night guard.

TMJ Disorder Relief

If your jaw hurts when you chew, talk, or yawn, book an appointment with Kensington Dental Care. We can examine the joint and talk through the options that are most likely to help.