Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) affect the joints connecting your jawbone to your skull. These complex conditions can cause pain, jaw stiffness, locking, and even headaches. Interestingly, orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign—typically associated with aligning teeth—can also influence TMJ health, for better or worse.
This blog explores the intricate relationship between orthodontics and TMD, providing clarity for those considering treatment.
How Your Bite Impacts TMJ Health
Your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles form a delicate system, often described as a tripod. Each part must work harmoniously for the system to remain stable. Misalignments in the "bite" (how your upper and lower teeth meet) can disrupt this balance, leading to TMD symptoms like:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking or popping sounds
Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully
Orthodontic treatment can address bite issues, but not without risks. That’s why an expert evaluation is essential before starting any treatment.
The Role of Orthodontics in TMD
Orthodontics can have a profound impact on TMJ health. Here’s how:
Positive Effects: Correcting misalignments can alleviate TMD symptoms, restore balance, and improve overall function.
Negative Effects: For some, changes in jaw alignment during treatment may unintentionally worsen TMJD symptoms.
The key to minimising risks lies in personalised treatment planning. Working with experienced dental and orthodontic professionals experienced in TMJ dynamics ensures a careful approach that prioritises your joint health.
A Closer Look at Extraction-Retraction Orthodontics
One treatment type, extraction-retraction orthodontics, involves removing molar teeth and shifting others backward to close gaps. While it’s a common practice, it can pose specific risks for TMJ health:
Airway Restrictions: This procedure may reduce space for the tongue to sit up in the palate, so instead, the tongue sits low in the mouth, narrowing the airway and increasing the risk of sleep apnoea (interrupted breathing at night).
Jaw Muscle Strain: Restricted airflow can lead to clenching or grinding, which strains jaw muscles and joints, especially at night.
Impact on Jaw Growth: Shifting the jaw backward may increase the likelihood of TMJ joint displacement or locking.
If you’re considering this treatment, I'd recommend consulting a dental specialist to understand how it may affect your TMJ health, especially if you already have some pain concerns in the jaw area.
The Bottom Line
Orthodontics can be a powerful tool for addressing TMD but requires precision and expertise. Understanding your unique jaw dynamics and working with a specialist ensures treatments are tailored to your needs.
If you’re struggling with TMD symptoms or considering orthodontic treatment, we’re here to help. At Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan, we offer holistic, integrated care to address TMD, combining hands-on techniques, laser therapy, and more.
Take the First Step Toward TMD Relief
Don’t let TMD symptoms hold you back from living a pain-free life. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and discover how we can help you achieve long-term relief.
📞 Phone: 07 3532 8605
🌐 Website: www.lcscphysiotherapy.com.au
📍 Address: Suite 2, 24-26 Gloucester Road, Buderim, Sunshine Coast
📅 Book Online: Book Your Appointment Here
By Simon
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