Are Braces Behind TMJ Disorder?

Given Dr. Sid Solomon, DDS’s nearly thirty years of experience, patients often turn to him with their many TMJ Disorder related questions. With millions of people in the United States suffering from TMJ Disorder symptoms such as jaw pain, mouth pain, facial pain, migraines and headaches, clicking and popping in their jaw, shoulder and neck pain, and ringing and pain in their ears, most patients ask Dr. Sid Solomon, DDS how the symptoms started.

For patients who have had braces and are experiencing TMJ pain, the most frequently asked question is, “Did my braces cause my TMJ Disorder?” Unfortunately, the answer is often yes. Braces directly alter the bite and the position of the teeth meaning they also affect the way the jaw muscles work, causing pain and other TMJ Disorder symptoms. This being said, braces will not always cause TMJ Disorder. Dr. Sid Solomon is not only a premiere Invisalign provider, but also, above all, a neuromuscular dentist with an all-encompassing understanding of the entire relationship between the head, jaw, face, and teeth.

It is also because of this deep understanding that Dr. Solomon’s orthotic splint has such a high success rate in the treatment of TMJ Disorder: the orthosis device corrects the bite into its ideal position in order to relieve the stress of the tension in the jaw that a misaligned bite can cause. If the patient is suffering from TMJ Disorder, it is important that Dr. Solomon treats it first, because well-being is more important than aesthetics. Dr. Sid Solomon finds the perfect neuromuscular position for the patient’s lower jaw, creating the splint which trains the jaw to remain in that position. Once the jaw is repositioned ideally, Dr. Sid Solomon, because of his many years of expertise, is then able to straighten the teeth without affecting the previous treatment.

If you’re interested in Invisalign, an important part of getting the perfect smile you have always wanted, or are ready to end the daily TMJ pain you’re experiencing because of braces, or in general, call us today to schedule a consultation!