Invisalign and TMJ: Is Invisalign an Effective Treatment?

Temporomandibular joint disorderThis link leads to TMJ page, referred to as TMJ or TMD, can have you waking up in pain. This discomfort could even persist throughout the day from continuous use.

You might also notice a click, click, click noise whenever you open your jaw widely.

Luckily, we can find a treatment specifically for you at BKS Dental.

Will that treatment plan include Invisalign®This link leads to Invisalign page?

We’ll look at the possible causes of TMD, cover treatment options, and help you answer that question.

TMJ Vs. TMD: what’s the difference?

People often use the abbreviations TMD and TMJ interchangeably.

However, these two aren’t the same.

TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

You have two of these joints, one on each side of the face; they connect your top and bottom jaws.

Think about how often you use this joint. For instance, you use it when you talk and chew.

And you may put even more pressure on this joint if you clench or grind your teeth.

It’s no wonder this joint is prone to pain. Particularly, you may suffer from a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

If you have TMD, you have pain or discomfort that affects one or both of your joints.

You might hear a clicking or grinding when you open your mouth wide.

Your mouth may not open as much as it could, and you could experience lockjaw or jaw stiffness.

Sometimes, the symptoms of TMD go beyond the jaw, such as pain in your face, shoulder, or neck, tinnitus, or headaches.

Invisalign® and TMJ disorder

If you suffer from TMJ or TMD, whichever you prefer, you’re probably desperate to find relief because it can interfere with eating comfort.

Though you could mask the pain with an analgesic, one of our Fort Atkinson, WI dentists can get to the root of the problem.

One of the possible causes of this disorder is a misaligned bite.

Invisalign® addresses this issue. With this orthodontic treatment, you wear clear aligners that place pressure on your teeth simultaneously to reposition them in the proper location.

You’ll change the aligners about every two weeks to continuously shift the teeth where they should be to correct problems such as the following:

• Gaps and spacing
• Crossbites, open bites, underbites, and overbites
• Crowding

You must wear your trays for at least 20 to 22 hours each day for the treatment to be effective.

Regarding Invisalign® and TMJ, the aligners keep your teeth from grinding or clenching together, which can help with TMD.

Moreover, the cause of TMD may stem from a misalignment, including an overbite, underbite, or crossbite.

With these issues, you may overcompensate whenever you talk or chew, placing excess pressure on the joints.

As a result, you can develop TMD and have discomfort.

Don’t underestimate the power of Invisalign®

Invisalign® is known to improve a person’s appearance. The treatment can also make it easier to care for your teeth, preventing specific oral health problems.

As you reduce stress on your jaw joints by aligning your teeth, you’ll have less pain and inflammation, causing you to have better mornings and not suffer after a long day of using your jaw joints.

And Invisalign® improves your smile at the same time! Winning!

BKS Dental: your local source for Invisalign® treatment

We have four dentists who can provide you with Invisalign®: Dr. BenderThis link leads to Dr. Bender’s page, Dr. KindThis link leads to Dr. Kind’s page, Dr. StaffordThis link leads to Dr. Stafford’s page, and Dr. GerardThis link leads to Dr. Gerard’s page.

We’re in your area and are currently accepting new patients!

So, what’s stopping you from scheduling a visit or contacting us to learn more about Invisalign® and TMJ?

You can conveniently contact us in the following ways: click the button below, call us, or email us!

Or:

• Call us at: 920-563-7323
• Email us at: team@bksdental.com

We’re conveniently located on Sherman Ave. W. in Fort Atkinson, WI, making us local for those in Janesville, Watertown, Whitewater, Stoughton, Oconomowoc, Sun Prairie, Hartland, and Fitchburg.