JAWS PROBLEM AND ORAL HEALTH
The jaw joints are very complex, being responsible for opening and closing of the mouth, as well for side-to-side, backward and forward jaw movements that allow us to chew, swallow, bite, talk, clench, etc.
The technical name for the jaw joint is temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and it is located in front of each ear. The most frequent reason for jaw problems is disorder or dysfunction in the jaw joint.
SYMPTOMS FOR JAW PROBLEMS
It is estimated that one in every eight adults have some kind of problem in the jaw joint. Several conditions can contribute to jaw joint problems, including bad bite, tooth grinding, trauma, arthritis and a stressful lifestyle.
When there are bite issues, the joint can be displaced when teeth bite together, leading to stress in the chewing muscles and ligaments, which in turn make problems in the joint worse. If tooth grinding is present, the jaw joints are subjected to extra stress.
The most common jaw problems include:
- Jaw popping, clicking sound when opening the mouth
- Pain when opening the mouth or yawning
- Locked jaws
- Ear ache, pain in the chewing muscles, head or neck
- Migraine, headaches
- Dizziness
- Vision problems, pressure and pain behind the eyes
DENTAL TREATMENT FOR JAW PROBLEMS
Jaw problems can be difficult to diagnose and treat, since it is not always possible to identify the primary cause. Many patients are treated with medication to control the pain in the joint and in the muscles, though it only removes the discomfort without improving the condition itself. Furthermore, chronic use of painkillers can lead to other problems in the body.
ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT TO CORRECT BITE ISSUES AND HELP IMPROVE JAW PROBLEMS
For many people with jaw problems, there is a bad bite involved. An unbalanced bite can lead to major stress in the chewing muscles and in the joint itself. If combined with tooth grinding and clenching, the effect on the joints can be even worse.
Correction of the teeth that are out of alignment through orthodontic treatment can have a great impact in joint disorders.
Through orthodontic treatment, teeth and jaws can be gently moved towards a more balanced and functional bite, combined with a better appearance. With a better bite, teeth, bones, muscles and the joint can better function and pain tends to improve.
CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY FOR BITE ISSUES
Braces used to be the standard treatment to correct the position of the teeth. However, understandably, adults usually reject the idea of wearing them.
In the last decade, another option has taken over: clear aligner therapy. The result is the same, but the approach is different. Instead of metal squares glued to the teeth and linked by a wire, thin plastic trays are customized and 3D printed. They guide the teeth to shift into better positions and can be removed for cleaning and during meals.
Correction of a bad bite can alleviate jaw problems and a series of other conditions in the head, neck and back areas.
Are you experiencing jaw problems? Your bite is most likely to be involved. Talk to your dentist today.