If you want straight teeth, chances are you're looking into getting braces of some kind. These days, there are plenty of options to choose from, including different materials and different types. However, if you have TMJ, there are additional factors to consider. The jaw pain, stiffness, or swelling you may experience on a regular basis could impact your braces experience, and vice versa. Here's what you need to know about braces with TMJ and which kind is best for you.
The Problem With Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces are best for straightening teeth and changing bite alignment. However, if you have TMJ, the problem with metal braces starts before a single adjustment is ever made.
The biggest issue with metal braces for TMJ is that they require regular visits to the dentist's office for adjustments.
Having the braces put on, adjusted, or having the wires and brackets changed can take a while, and that means having your mouth open that entire time. As someone with TMJ, you probably know that doing so can lead to pain or even having your jaw lock temporarily.
The Alternative
Instead of going with metal braces, you should consider invisible braces instead. This variety of braces can provide you with straight teeth and has none of the cosmetic downsides to it that standard braces do.
Most importantly, though, is that you don't have to go through adjustments or long examinations while having your teeth straightened. Once a mold is taken of your teeth, the rest is taken care of by the invisible braces manufacturer. You'll receive multiple sets that you'll gradually switch between as your teeth adjust. At most, your orthodontist will just want to see you put the newest pair on and to look at your teeth to ensure that it's fitting properly. In comparison to a full braces adjustment, this will only take a moment.
Additional Benefits
Another big benefit with invisible braces is that they can be taken off. At the end of the day, while having straight teeth is your goal, there are good days with TMJ and bad days. On some bad days, you might wake up already in a lot of pain in the temporomandibular joint - not because of your braces, but just because it sometimes happens. Maybe you'll sleep in an awkward position, or grind your teeth in your sleep. In any case, if you wake up and can't tolerate the pain, you can take the braces off.
While removing your invisible braces for a few hours or a day might slow down your treatment progress slightly, it's a nice option to have when you're having a bad pain day, versus being stuck with your metal braces on no matter what.
Invisible braces are made and sold by most reputable orthodontists and can be arranged for you with the same level of care and personal attention that you would expect from traditional braces. Talk to a dentist and get one step closer to a perfect smile. For more information, reach out to orthodontic clinic like Reed & Sahlaney Orthodontics, LLP.
Share31 March 2019
My son was outside playing with some friends when he accidentally fell down and hit his mouth on the sidewalk. The fall knocked out his front tooth, so I immediately placed the tooth in a small jar and added some milk. I rushed my son to the dental clinic and the dentist immediately took us into the examination room. The dentist placed the tooth back into the socket and saved it. My name is Beverly Tillman and thanks to the quick work of the dentist, my son didn't lose his tooth. Since this was a scary time for me and my son, I wanted to write this blog as a source of information for other parents who are facing a dental emergency. First of all, don't panic and get to your dentist as soon as possible. I hope this blog will help to answer your questions about dental emergencies.