For many, braces are a necessity in achieving their dental goals or correcting teeth or jaw issues. Malocclusion, or the imperfect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed, is a significant contributor in individuals receiving orthodontic care. For those who require orthodontic treatment, a question they may ask themself is, “can braces cause TMJ?”
First, let’s understand what TMJ is and discuss the common symptoms of TMJ disorders. Then, we will review findings from the medical and research profession regarding the correlation between braces and TMJ disorders.
Defining TMJ
TMJ, or temporomandibular joints, is also referred to as TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. In most cases, TMJ disorders stem from a condition called malocclusion, which means having a “bad bite.” Malocclusion includes underbites and overbites. When teeth are misaligned, they cannot support the muscles in the face need for chewing and swallowing. These muscles are then forced into a strained position, resulting in pain throughout the face, head, arms, shoulders, and back. Symptoms range from moderate to severe and include:
- Chronic facial, jaw, shoulder, and ear pain
- Headaches
- Neck aches
- Difficulty chewing
- Uncomfortable bite
- Malocclusion
- Grating and popping noises
- Inflammation
Individuals can check for TMJ within their homes before seeking further examination from Dr. Buck. This self-examination checklist can save an individual a trip to the doctor’s office by looking into jaw, tongue, and ear symptoms and the patient’s previous injury history. Easing TMJ symptoms depend on the severity of the type of TMJ and the TMJ diagnosis a person has. In addition, treatment of TMJ varies from ultra low-frequency stimulation (ULF-TENS) to orthodontic care.
Orthodontics and TMJ
After a landmark lawsuit in 1987 where a patient residing in Michigan sought legal judgment against her orthodontist whom she felt gave her TMJ, numerous doctors and researchers have spent millions of dollars searching for the answer to the question, “can braces cause TMJ?” The studies concluded that braces and TMJ do not correlate.
However, there are exceptions to these findings. The two exceptions are a posterior crossbite and an anterior open bite. In addition, the results could not link overbites, underbites, crowding, or alignment issues to braces and TMJ. When in doubt, communicate your concerns to Dr. Buck. A thorough examination will be able to determine what teeth and jaw issues are factoring into TMJ-like symptoms. Additionally, the exam will provide a basis for the treatment of a TMJ diagnosis.
Contact Dr. Buck
TMJ treatment requires the recommendations of a neuromuscular dental professional and a multi-faceted approach to account for the broad spectrum of symptoms possible. Dr. Buck of Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics specializes in TMJ and sleep apnea treatment making his office an excellent resource for those in need of relief. For more information on Dr. Buck’s practice and the treatment options he provides, please schedule an appointment or call us today at 206-316-8286.