My Husband Has Developed a TMJ Problem Since Starting Invisalign About 3 Months Ago, Should he Discontinue?

Not being able to open your mouth entirely is what is called a "closed lock." This occurs with the cartilage disc in your TMJ is stuck in front of your condyle (the part of your mandible that makes up the joint).

This can happen for a number of different reasons, but underlying TMD (temporomandibular disorders) can sometimes flare up during orthodontic treatment and Invisalign.

Although the best course of action is decided after a comprehensive exam (which I can't do), my advice is that you try an Aqualizer because that appliance can be very helpful for resolving acute closed locks. 

I have treated many patients with invisalign and I'm also very experienced in treating TMD.  Based on my experiences, I have never had a TMD case that was actually caused by invisalign but I have seen patients with signs of TMD develop symptoms after starting invislign treatment.  Your husband should find a dentist experienced in treating TMJ problems right away before discontinuing his invisalign treatment.

It sounds to me like your husband was on the verge of developing TMJ symptoms and the change of his bite due to the aligners and the tooth movement threw him "over the edge". He should see a dentist that is well-educated and trained in TMJ and follow his advice.

Your husband's dentist could take new record and have them slow movement so that he wears each set 3 weeks, but I have just had patients wear their existing aligners 3 weeks each until the discomfort subsided and although it doesn't happen often, that idea has always worked. It is usually in the beginning of treatment when this happens.

Dr. Sue Wendling

Invisalign can on occasion cause TMD symptoms to become symptomatic.  I would recommend discontinuing wearing the current tray.  Go back to the last one if you still have it.  If there is still pain stop aligner wear.  YOu should schedule to see a TMD experienced dentist immediately.