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Can Orthodontic Treatment Relieve Symptoms of TMD?

In Orthodontics August 16, 2023

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can cause pain and tension in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. While there are various treatments available for TMD, orthodontic treatment can be an effective option for relieving TMD symptoms and improving the functionality of your jaw.

What is TMD?

TMD is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull. The disorder can result from various factors, including jaw misalignment, teeth grinding, stress, and arthritis. Common symptoms of TMD include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, headaches, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth.

How Orthodontic Treatment Helps TMD

Orthodontic treatment involves the use of braces, aligners, or other appliances to correct misalignments of your teeth and jaw. The goal of orthodontic treatment for TMD is to:

  • Realign the Jaw: Correcting misaligned teeth and jaws can alleviate stress on the TMJ and reduce discomfort.
  • Improve Bite Alignment: Proper bite alignment distributes forces evenly throughout the jaw, reducing strain on the TMJ.
  • Address Teeth Grinding: Orthodontic treatment can help improve the alignment of your teeth, which may lessen teeth grinding habits.

Orthodontic Options for TMD Relief

There are several orthodontic options that may help relieve TMD symptoms, including:

  • Traditional Braces: Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires that gradually shift teeth into their proper positions. They are effective for correcting complex misalignments and improving bite alignment.
  • Clear Aligners: Clear aligners, such as Invisalign® custom trays, offer a discreet and removable alternative to traditional braces. They can effectively treat mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including TMD-related misalignments.
  • Functional Appliances: Functional appliances are specially designed to address jaw discrepancies and improve the functionality of your bite and the mobility of your jaw. They are often used in conjunction with braces or aligners to achieve optimal results.
  • Retainers: Following orthodontic treatment, wearing retainers helps maintain the new alignment of your teeth and prevent TMD symptoms from recurring.

Advantages of Orthodontic Treatment for TMD

Orthodontic treatment for TMD offers a range of advantages, foremost among them being pain relief. By realigning the jaw and reducing pressure on the TMJ, orthodontic treatment can alleviate TMD-related pain and discomfort. By correcting the alignment of the jaw, orthodontic treatment also allows for smoother and more efficient jaw movement, making it easier to chew and speak. This can help curtail the teeth grinding that often contribute to TMD symptoms.

Consult with an Orthodontist

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, consult with a dentist or orthodontist experienced in treating TMD-related issues. Orthodontic treatment can provide long-lasting relief from TMD symptoms and improve the overall function and appearance of your smile. A dental or orthodontic professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess your jaw alignment and determine the best orthodontic approach for your needs.

The post Can Orthodontic Treatment Relieve Symptoms of TMD? first appeared on Dental Signal.
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Dr. Pescastore,

I just had to take a minute to let you know how much me and my family appreciate everything you have done for us. When we met in 2001 I was honestly anxious about the work I needed to have done. I was nervous about the results and also about the potential pain it might take to achieve the smile I wanted. You were so thorough in your evaluation of my extensive dental history and so clear in your explanation of the procedures required that I felt confident to take your recommendations and trust my smile to you. I have never regretted that decision. I am so grateful for the way you and your wonderful staff made every appointment as easy and comfortable as it could possibly have been. I was always happy to be going there knowing I would be treated so well and love the results. I still feel the same way, and look forward to my appointments with you and your caring staff. I really enjoy the spa like feeling and always leave there more relaxed than when I arrived. My friends are always surprised to learn that I look forward to my dentist appointments as they are lamenting about theirs.

I am especially grateful for the way you have treated my daughters. They too had many dentists before you and were nervous about going to the dentist. Thanks to you and Stacey and the rest of your wonderful staff they now share my feeling about going to the dentist and are happy to be there. Brooke is so afraid of needles that even at seventeen years old she still cries if she thinks she might get a shot at the doctors office. She was very nervous before her first appointment with you, in spite of mine and her sisters assurance that it really wouldn't hurt. Thank you for proving us right. Now even Brooke is not afraid to go to the dentist. I also want you to know how grateful I am for the emergency care you gave Sadie when she chipped her front tooth. I really appreciate you changing your own plans for the day to help her. She was so upset about the way her tooth looked that she cried all the way to your office. She, like me, left your office that day feeling great about herself and her smile. You have really made a positive difference in our lives and we are all so grateful to you for it. We all look forward to seeing you and your great team for our future dental needs.

With Great Respect and Many Thanks,

Pennie Gaddis

I look back at old photographs and realize I spent years hiding teeth. I had braces in my 30s and made the mistake of having my orthodontist apply veneers to my discolored, misshapen teeth. I was his first veneers patient, and I learned that when you're having cosmetic dentistry done, you should have a cosmetic dentist do it. When I decided to have those veneers replaced, I found an expert Dr. Pescatore. In fact, it was just a few weeks before my wedding that I asked Dr. Pescatore to do my smile makeover. I trusted him completely and knew from my first appointment that I was in good hands. He impressed me with his concern that my veneers look natural, and they do. My smile is huge in my wedding pictures, not only because I had a new husband but also because I had fabulous new teeth! I'm grateful to Dr. Pescatore and his caring, attentive staff for what they did for me. I finally have the smile I'd always wanted.

Evelyn Dalton

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