Can Clear Aligners Fix Jaw Problems?

Orthodontic problems can sometimes stem from your jaw, not your teeth. A misaligned jaw can lead to bruxism, a condition where you grind or clench your teeth. This grinding or clenching can intensify the pain from temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD.

Orthodontic treatment can help address these issues. Using orthodontic devices like clear aligners for TMJ pain relief can be beneficial. These aligners can help correct the position of your jaw, reducing the symptoms of bruxism and TMD.

TMD is a fairly  common orthodontic condition  suffered by patients, one that the  National Institute of Health  believes is suffered by over 10 million Americans. Common signs of TMD, or problematic jaw misalignment of any sort, include:

Clear aligner treatment can naturally alleviate your jaw pain. Chewies and Movemints are simple tools that can assist. They lessen discomfort and enhance positioning. These are part of the orthodontic solutions for jaw alignment issues.

If you still feel pain, try these tips to ease jaw discomfort:

• OTC Pain Relievers : Medicines like naproxen, aspirin, and ibuprofen may help alleviate pain associated with severe, chronic TMD.
• Massaging : Rub the affected regions in a circular motion for at least 5 to 10 rotations. This can help relieve tension and relax the muscles, as well as any TMD-related neck discomfort.
• Muscle Exercises : Partial, full, tucked, resisted, and side-by-side jaw movement exercises are all simple, yet effective ways to work out jaw strain.
• Stress Relief : Consider administering relaxing self-care exercises like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness techniques. This won ??t just alleviate emotional tension, but potentially, jaw tension as well. If you suspect your stress is symptomatic of a clinical anxiety disorder, consider probing that deeper through behavioral therapy.
• Mindful Dieting : During the two free hours that your aligners are removed, be careful to avoid hard, crunchy foods that will apply unnecessary strain to the jaw.
• Mindful Intake : Even stimulant drugs as mild as caffeine can overwork the jaw muscles. Consider moderating your morning coffee intake while undergoing treatment, and if you ??re struggling with more intensive addiction, seeking help with a trusted substance abuse counselor.

The majority of individuals do not require surgical intervention for their jaw. Jaw misalignment and TMD pain often self-resolve. Correct use of clear aligners can ease this pain. Proper brushing of your teeth (upper and lower teeth) is crucial.

Nonetheless, transparent aligners are designed for teeth, not for jaws. They might help align the mandible and reduce pain, but that ??s not their main purpose.