TMJ Treatment: Braces and Invisalign Come to the Rescue!

POsitively Awesome Ortho with Pachter Orthodontics

At Pachter Orthodontics, we know that TMJ pain and headaches can totally kill your day. But here’s the tea: the secret to fixing that jaw tension might actually be hidden in your smile. Yes, braces can help treat TMJ disorder!

It’s Time to Talk About TMJ

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull’s temporal bone. There’s a lot on its agenda. After all, it’s handling all your talking, snacking, and shower karaoke. But when your teeth don’t line up properly, like overbites, underbites, or crowding, that joint has to work overtime to compensate. The result is TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

Imagine trying to walk in shoes that are two different heights. Eventually, your knees are going to start complaining. Your mouth is the same! If your teeth aren’t cooperating, your jaw muscles have to shift and strain just to close your mouth. Over time, that constant stress leads to inflammation, clicking, and pain. Oh, and a whole lot of other symptoms, too.

• Frequent Headaches
• Neck Pain
• Earaches
• Tinnitus
• Jaw Soreness
• Difficulty Chewing
• Limited Jaw Movement

Other problems also cause TMJ disorder. Bruxism, injury, and arthritis are common culprits, too. So, unfortunately, when it comes to TMJ treatment, the magic movement of braces isn’t the answer for everyone.

How Orthodontics Comes to the Rescue

Good news: Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about the aesthetics (though a sparkling smile is a major perk). It’s about function, form, and, ultimately, harmony. By moving your teeth into their correct positions, traditional braces and clear braces help distribute your biting force evenly. Because you’re fixing the underlying cause of a mechanical orthodontic issue, it allows the joint to return to its correct position.

Traditional Metal Braces: Braces are the original, tried-and-true method of aligning your jaw and bite. Metal braces are a favorite for major bite problems because they have the “oomph” to move your teeth and jaw better than clear aligners. Many TMJ issues stem from complex orthodontic malocclusions, so extra power is the key to success.

Clear Braces + Ceramic Braces: Clear braces, also called ceramic braces, are actually very similar to metal braces in effectiveness and efficiency. However, they use materials that help them blend in with your teeth. While not as invisible as Invisalign, clear braces are a great option if your TMJ disorder treatment requires braces.

Invisalign Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are awesome. They move your teeth into place, and they’re totally lowkey while they work. They are definitely a fan favorite for TMJ treatment (as long as the patient’s bite problem isn’t too complex).

Say Bye-Bye to TMJ Pain with Pachter

The goal of treatment at our Paramus or Middletown offices is to get you to a place where you don’t even have to think about your jaw. Imagine eating your favorite foods, talking for hours, and waking up without a tension headache. That’s the real Pachter glow-up!

If your bite is the baddie behind your TMJ pain, come chat with the Pachter crew. We’ll take a look at your unique alignment and create a plan to get your jaw back in its happy place. Schedule your complimentary consultation today! Whether you visit us in NJ or NY, we’re ready to tackle TMJ with the help of expert orthodontics.