TMJ and Invisalign

Annalee S. Kruyer DDS 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?


Annalee S. Kruyer DDS
28 days ago

You stated that your bite comes together perfectly. 

The body is amazing. Your muscles can adapt to even some of the worst bites. Only a dentist who is trained in occlusion and TMJ can truely determine if your bite needs changing. 

Depending on the dentist these changes can be done with regular braces or Invisalign. It is considerably more difficult with invisalign and it is unlikely that only doing the lower will work. Either way, once the braces/invisalign are done, the dentist will still need to do some adjusting to your bite.

Not fixing your bite can lead to more issues, even when the pain goes away the damage can be continuing.

You were right to be concerned.

Helpful?
Post your question

Invisalign: 308 reviews

80% said it was worth it

Invisalign before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.