Invisalign isn't the best when dealing with TMJ issues

Lance Timmerman, DMD answers: Can Invisalign correct bite problem from TMJ?

I've had a perfect bite all of these years. Last year, due to the stress of having painful physical injuries, I started grinding again after many years. I started having TMJ pain for the first time in my life (lower jaw, right side).

Now, I've noticed that my perfect bite is gone. I can literally feel my lower teeth shifting forward. The pain in my mandible is worse. When I bite down, my top perfect teeth exactly meet with my bottom teeth.

I went to an oral surgeon, and he said that I may need orthodontic help. Will Invisalign braces help my situation, and can they be placed only on the bottom teeth?


Lance Timmerman, DMD
28 days ago
By Lance Timmerman, DMD - Seattle Cosmetic dentist

Quite often when orthodontics can help with TMJ is when the teeth have become worn down.  Orthodontics can "verticalize" teeth (raise lower teeth up and upper teeth down).  This gets the nose and chin at the right distance (if they get too close together, the joint gets strained).

This is assuming braces can help, and sometimes it can.  Invisalign has a challenging time verticalizing teeth (if often can't). 

The first step in helping your TMJ situation is getting a proper diagnosis and resolution of pain.  From THAT point, you can determine if braces can help.

Web reference: http://www.BestSeattleDentist.com
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