If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking in the jaw when you open or close your mouth, or frequent headaches, it may be time to see an orthodontist in Melbourne. These symptoms could point to a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The condition can develop from a misaligned bite or jaw strain, and specialized orthodontic care is required to treat it. Here’s what you should know about TMJ disorders and orthodontics. 

What is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joints connect the jawbone to the skull. We use these joints for things like chewing, talking, and yawning. TMJ disorder happens when these joints become misaligned, inflamed, or stressed. Various causes can lead to the disorder, including a past jaw injury, a misalignment, grinding your teeth, or even chronic tension from stress.

Symptoms include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Earaches or pressure inside the ear
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Difficulty chewing
• Limited ability to open or close the mouth fully
• Facial pain around the jaw or temples
• Frequent headaches

Many of these symptoms can mimic other dental conditions. To properly treat the problem, you first need an accurate diagnosis from your orthodontist. 

Diagnosing TMJ Disorders

To begin the diagnostic process, you must make an appointment at Melbourne Orthodontics. We’ll start by discussing your symptoms, when they occur, and how they’re affecting you. We’ll also ask about your medical history. 

A physical exam will follow this. Your Melbourne orthodontist will check for tenderness, observe jaw movement, and listen for joint sounds. X-rays or 3D imaging will examine the joints closely for more profound insight. Your bite alignment will also be carefully analyzed to determine whether misaligned teeth could contribute to your symptoms. We can only develop a personalized treatment plan for a TMJ disorder after the cause has been correctly diagnosed.

Success Rates for Treatment with Orthodontics

There were several high-profile lawsuits in the 1980s in which attorneys claimed that orthodontic treatments, such as childhood braces, were the cause of TMJ disorders. These claims have been proven false by a lot of subsequent research. Orthodontic treatment does not cause TMJ disorders. Treatment can, however, alleviate your symptoms or completely resolve them in many cases. 

In cases caused by a malocclusion (a misaligned bite), most patients can find significant relief from TMD disorder symptoms within 6 to 12 months with standard treatment with braces or Invisalign. Surgical intervention has a success rate of 80 to 90 percent. Bruxism-related TMJ disorders might require a combination of a custom nightguard and stress management techniques. Success rates will generally depend on the cause of your TMJ problem, the severity, and the treatment methods used. 

How Orthodontics Can Treat TMJ Disorders

We have several different methods that may be recommended to tackle TMJ disorders, depending on the cause. 

Braces or Clear Aligners: Braces and Invisalign are likely the best treatment options if a misaligned bite or teeth contribute to the symptoms. These help redistribute pressure along the jaw joints. As they gradually shift your teeth into the proper alignment, these treatments reduce the joint strain and promote healthier jaw function.

Nightguards: When teeth grinding at night (bruxism) is the source of the problem, we might recommend a custom-fitted nightguard to help. This protective device is worn at night to cushion your teeth. It prevents further damage to the tooth enamel from grinding and can ease pressure on the affected joints. We might also recommend stress-reduction techniques to support long-term results.

Orthodontic Surgery: In severe or structurally complex cases of a TMJ disorder, the treatment might call for orthodontic surgery. This is generally considered a last resort. If there’s a less invasive option that we can try first, we’ll recommend that. Occasionally, an arthroscopy or open joint surgery might be the best option. Surgery can be used to reposition the jaw or correct skeletal imbalances that can’t be addressed with orthodontic appliances alone. 

If you’re experiencing TMJ disorder symptoms, contact us at Melbourne Orthodontics in Melbourne to schedule an appointment. We’ll diagnose the problem and come up with a customized treatment plan for you.