If your jaw ever feels sore when you wake up, or you hear a sharp little click when you chew, you may be dealing with a TMJ disorder (TMD), a common cause of chronic jaw pain. This condition involves the temporomandibular joint, which works like a sliding hinge in front of your ears, and the muscles that help you talk, yawn, and eat. In the United States, between 5 and 10% of people have some form of TMD, many of whom report that jaw pain, headache, and facial tension can be a burden. 

Continue reading to learn how bite alignment contributes to TMJ disorder, how orthodontic treatment can help, and where to find the best dentist in Raleigh for adult braces that can relieve your TMD symptoms.

What is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder?

TMJ disorder, often called TMD, is a problem with the temporomandibular joint, the small joint right in front of each ear that lets your jaw open, close, and slide as you talk and chew. When there is a misalignment of the jaw or teeth, TMJ disorders can cause several symptoms, including: 

  • A deep ache near your ear or along your jawline, 
  • Clicking or popping when you talk or eat
  • Recurring tension headaches
  • Ear aches
  • Sore muscles along the jaw, especially during or after eating 
  • A jaw that feels stiff in the morning or after eating 

The most common cause of TMD is a misaligned bite, meaning your teeth do not meet evenly when you close your mouth. This uneven contact forces the jaw joint and surrounding muscles to compensate continuously, leading to inflammation, tension, and pain. Additional risk factors for developing TMD include: 

  • Bruxium, or the unconscious habit of clenching or grinding your teeth at night 
  • Stress can make you clench without noticing
  • An injury to the jaw
  • Arthritis of the jaw

Can Orthodontic Treatment Help Relieve TMJ Pain? 

Orthodontic treatment for TMJ disorder can be highly effective when jaw pain is caused by bite misalignment. By repositioning the teeth and jaw, orthodontics helps distribute biting forces more evenly, reducing strain on the temporomandibular joint. While Invisalign is a good option for mild cases, moderate to severe TMJ pain from misalignment usually requires the strong, consistent treatment provided by traditional metal braces. This includes cases with severe tooth crowding, or an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. 

How Orthodontic Treatment Works to Improve Jaw Alignment

Orthodontic treatment improves jaw alignment by slowly changing how your teeth fit together, thereby reducing pressure on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Braces use small brackets and wires that apply a gentle, steady force, and clear aligners use a series of snug trays that you switch out as your teeth shift. Typically, you’ll feel a dull pressure for a day or two after an adjustment, which is a sign that things are moving as planned. The goal is straighter teeth and a bite that closes more evenly. 

Managing TMJ Symptoms Before and During Orthodontic Treatment

Managing TMJ symptoms before and during orthodontic treatment includes daily habits and professional support. In fact, there are many simple changes that can make a real difference when your jaw feels sore or tight: 

  • Eating soft foods like soups, eggs, yogurt, and pasta to give your jaw a break from chewing 
  • Using a warm compress along the jawline can relax tense muscles 
  • Gentle jaw stretches and slow opening exercises can help restore movement without forcing the joint, especially in the morning when everything feels stiff
  • Managing stress can help reduce the amount of clenching and grinding you do unconsciously 
  • A night guard can also help protect your teeth and jaw from nighttime clenching and grinding 

During treatment, custom night guards or splints can provide support, protect the joint, and limit grinding as your bite changes. These devices cushion the teeth and provide the jaw with a more stable position at night, often leading to fewer headaches and less morning soreness. 

Discover the Best Orthodontist in Raleigh for TMJ Disorder Treatment

When TMD symptoms have you giving up on your favorite foods or missing out on your favorite activities because of another tension headache, it’s time for effective treatment with Dr. Spielberg. Dr. Spielberg and her team are trusted by patients across Apex, Cary, Pittsboro, Holly Springs, and Morrisville for treating misaligned bites, tooth crowding, and jaw tension in patients of all ages.

We approach adult braces with the same compassion and expertise as she does for teen braces, and offer treatment options such as Invisalign and Damon Braces, designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle and keep you comfortable throughout treatment.

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