Do you regularly suffer from tension headaches and jaw pain? If so, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep – a common cause of TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder is a misalignment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that causes pain in your facial muscles and jaw. Sometimes, TMJ disorder and grinding can be caused by a misaligned bite, crooked teeth, missing teeth, or other orthodontic issues, which we can diagnose and treat to relieve your symptoms. Either way, our orthodontist in Parsippany, NJ, explains how Invisalign® can help straighten your teeth and protect your teeth and jaw from the pains of grinding!
Symptoms of TMJ
The most common symptoms of TMJ disorder are headaches and pain in the jaw and face. Some other symptoms associated with TMJ disorder are:
- Chipped teeth
- Enamel erosion
- Gum recession
- Cracked or broken teeth
Causes of Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is common and usually occurs during the night while you sleep. It can result from an improper bite, excessive stress, anxiety, alcohol consumption, or sleep apnea. Teeth grinding is a serious problem that can leave you with cracked teeth, broken restorations, and sensitivity. Our doctor can help determine the cause of your teeth grinding and jaw pain during your consultation.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign® is a series of clear aligners that straighten your teeth over time. It can correct a misaligned bite and straighten crooked teeth. Invisalign is also a solution that can help alleviate TMJ disorder while straightening your teeth!
Invisalign must be worn 20-22 hours per day, including overnight. The aligners create a cushion between your teeth, like a nightguard, which prevents you from grinding and relieves the associated jaw and facial pain. And this isn’t just a temporary solution while you’re undergoing treatment – as a bad bite can cause grinding, a straight smile can prevent it!
Contact Our Orthodontist in Parsippany, NJ Today!
To get in contact with our friendly team at Caggiano Orthodontics, call us at 973-887-8780 to learn more!
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