Can Invisalign Fix Bite and TMJ Problems?

Question

I went to an Invisalign provider and I told him all about my TMJ problems. I told him how my bite is off and I can't bite down because of how off it is. It changes from day to day. The orthodontist assured me he can fix my bite and has done it before. I was just wondering if Invisalign can really fix bite problems.

Kent Lauson, DDS, MS · Answer

Invisalign or Braces before correcting TMJ Dysfunction is like playing with fire!  Moving teeth with dysfunctional jaw joints can precipitate even worse pain and dysfunction.   TMJ Dysfunctions are the result of the best fit of the teeth not matching with a healthy jaw joint position.  Having successfully  treated thousands of TMJ Dysfunction cases over several decades I can tell you that the only permanent solution to your TMJ Dysfunction is to successfully correct your jaw joint alignment with a repositioning orthotic (lower jaw appliance) first and hold for a minimum of 6 months of normal function.  Then Invisalign or braces can move the teeth into positions supportive and compatable with the ideal properly functioning TMJ.  In this way, you will not only correct the jaw joints, but have a bite that is beautiful and healthy.

Zach Casagrande, DDS, MS · Answer

Yes. Invisalign can fix bite problems if the
patient is compliant and if the case is properly treatment planned. Most of the
time, after fixing the bite, TMJ problems subside but there is no 100%
guarantee of this. There are many factors that can go into TMJ problems.

Michael J. Thomas, DDS · Answer

Invisalign can fix bite problems or at least diminish them. The TMJ issue could be caused by your imbalanced bite and would or could be fixed with Invisalign treatment. The aligners also act as a nite guard to prevent over-closing especially with patients that have a deep bite, one of the leading causes of TMJ syndrome.
Dr Thomas

Barbara Johnson, DDS · Answer

How severe is her TMD? What are her TMD symptoms? Where is her optimal "resting" bite position? Though made out of a hard material, are the Invisalign trays really thick enough to maintain a proper bite, and does the dental professional have the technology to ensure that she is addressing these issues? Nobody wants to hear the obligatory "I don't know..." but, it's true, there's too many unknowns to attempt to answer this question without a more thorough understand of her condition.

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

By moving teeth to their ideal position, Invisalign does correct bite issues. In many cases when the bite is corrected it can help with TMJ/TMD problems, not necessarily in all cases. Bite and TMJ issues may or may not be related.  In some Invisalign cases, the aligners act as a Night or Bite guard and can relieve TMJ/TMD problems during treatment. Since every person is unique this has to be evaluated and treated on a case by case basis.

Can Invisalign Fix Bite and TMJ Problems?

Answers (7)

Answer: Invisalign trays will rarely be the solution for TMD

Answer: Invisalign trays will rarely be the solution for TMD

Answer: Invisalign trays can act as a Night or Bite Guard

Answer: Invisalign trays can act as a Night or Bite Guard

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

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Can Invisalign Fix Bite and TMJ Problems?

Answers (7)

Answer: Invisalign trays will rarely be the solution for TMD

Answer: Invisalign trays will rarely be the solution for TMD

Answer: Invisalign trays can act as a Night or Bite Guard

Answer: Invisalign trays can act as a Night or Bite Guard

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.