I Have a Bad TMJ After my Invisalign Treatment?

TMJ is not a specialty of either the dental or medical associations. Though dentists currently are the treating professionals, many comorbid conditions as well as the TMJ disorders encompass medical issues. Yet, the medical education curriculum does not include temporomandibular disorders. Research in this area is in its infancy and where this will be treated is yet undetermined. The TMJA Association has tried to put out as much general information on our website, www.tmj.org, as possible in an effort to guide patients in making medical decisions. As stated in our website there is a lack of scientific knowledge behind what causes temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders and how to treat them. TMJ symptoms tend to wax and wane. TMJ patients can experience pain in the jaw joints and surround tissues, including the ears. Many people with TMJ problems get better without treatment. Often the problem goes away on its own in several weeks to months. Our ‘Help Yourself First’ section on our website, http://www.tmj.org/site/content/help-yourself-first-remember-less-best provides some self-help therapy ideas. If your jaw pain gets worse with time, you should seek medical advice and educate yourself as much as possible before beginning any TMJ treatment.