Can Braces or Invisalign Help with TMJ?

If you’re struggling with discomfort or pain related to your jaw, you’re not alone. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders not only affect your jaw but can also result in headaches, ear pain, and even difficulty chewing. You’ve probably heard of braces or Invisalign for improving smiles, but can they help address TMJ issues? This article explores whether orthodontic options like braces and Invisalign can be effective treatments for TMJ disorders.

What is TMJ and How is it Treated?

TMJ disorders refer to problems affecting the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull. The condition can result in pain, limited jaw movement, and a clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth. Causes can range from teeth grinding to misaligned bites or arthritis, among others.

Treatment for TMJ often includes lifestyle changes, stress management, custom oral devices, physical therapy, and in some cases, orthodontic interventions like braces or Invisalign. For more details on non-surgical options, check out our comprehensive TMJ treatment plan.

How Braces Help Address TMJ Disorders

Braces aren’t just for a straight smile. They can also help correct bite misalignments (malocclusions) that may contribute to TMJ discomfort. An uneven bite can place extra stress on the jaw joints, leading to chronic pain. By realigning your teeth and ensuring proper occlusion, braces help distribute pressure evenly across your teeth and jaw, relieving tension and reducing TMJ symptoms over time.

With advancements in orthodontic care, braces can now be customized to address specific bite issues, helping create a healthier jaw position and ultimately alleviating TMJ-related discomfort.

Invisalign for TMJ Relief

For those who prefer a less noticeable option, Invisalign offers a discreet and effective treatment. These clear aligners are not only great for cosmetic purposes but also for addressing mild to moderate alignment issues that may contribute to TMJ disorders.

The ability to remove Invisalign aligners offers additional comfort, allowing you to eat, sleep, and perform daily activities with more ease. Their customized design helps gradually shift your teeth and improve bite alignment, which in turn can reduce strain on your jaw.

When to Seek Professional Guidance for TMJ

If you suspect your TMJ issues are tied to your bite or oral alignment, it’s crucial to consult an orthodontic specialist. TMJ is a complex condition, and professional diagnosis is key to ensuring you receive the right treatment. Orthodontic options like braces or Invisalign may be effective, but they’re most successful when part of a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

By correcting alignment issues, not only do you reduce TMJ symptoms, but you also improve the overall health and function of your jaw.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Disorders

Can braces or Invisalign completely cure TMJ?

Orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign can significantly reduce or even eliminate TMJ symptoms caused by bite misalignments. However, TMJ is a multifaceted condition, and the effectiveness of these treatments depends on the underlying cause of the disorder. A thorough evaluation by an orthodontic specialist is essential for determining the best course of action.

How long does it take to see results with braces or Invisalign for TMJ?

The timeline depends on the severity of your TMJ condition and the complexity of your bite issues. Most patients begin to see improvements in their TMJ symptoms within a few months of starting treatment, but full results can take 12–24 months, depending on your orthodontic plan.

At Legacy Smiles Orthodontic Specialists, we’re committed to helping you achieve both a beautiful smile and improved jaw health. If you’re looking for professional guidance on TMJ treatment options, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Invisalign vs Braces: Which Is Better for Busy Professionals in Las Cruces?

For many busy professionals in Las Cruces, maintaining a confident smile is key to making a great impression. However, finding time for orthodontic treatment can be challenging, especially with a packed schedule. If you’re considering straightening your teeth, you’ve likely come across two popular options: Invisalign and traditional braces. While both achieve effective results, they each come with unique advantages that can impact your decision.

This guide breaks down the differences between Invisalign and braces from the perspective of a working professional. Whether it’s meeting clients or managing a busy calendar, we’ll help you determine which option fits your lifestyle best.

Convenience and Treatment Time

Time is a valuable resource, especially for professionals balancing work, personal commitments, and everything in between. This is one area where Invisalign offers significant benefits. With Invisalign, you’ll receive a series of clear aligners that can be removed during meals, meetings, and special occasions. These aligners allow you to maintain your professional appearance while undergoing treatment. Additionally, Invisalign patients typically have fewer progress checks compared to braces.

On the other hand, braces may require more frequent adjustment to tighten the wires and ensure steady progress. Plus, traditional braces cannot be removed, which means they’ll be a permanent feature of your smile until treatment is complete. However, modern advancements in braces offer quicker results for some cases, which may appeal to those eager to achieve their perfect smile faster. Ultimately, if your time is limited, Invisalign might be the more convenient choice.

Appearance and Comfort

For professionals who meet with clients or present in high-stakes settings, appearance can be a significant factor in choosing between Invisalign and braces. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them an ideal choice for those looking for discreet orthodontic treatment. They are made of smooth plastic, which significantly reduces irritation inside the mouth compared to braces.

Braces, however, have come a long way in terms of appearance. Today, there are options like ceramic braces, which use tooth-colored brackets to make them less noticeable. Despite these advancements, traditional braces are still more visible than Invisalign. Additionally, braces come with metal wires and brackets that can occasionally cause soreness or irritation, especially during the initial stages of treatment.

When it comes to comfort, Invisalign has another key advantage. The ability to remove the aligners means you can eat your favorite foods without restriction and maintain your oral hygiene routine with ease. Braces, by contrast, require avoiding certain foods that can damage the brackets and wires, making dining out or snacking a bit trickier.

Find the Right Orthodontic Option for You

Both Invisalign and braces have their merits, but the right choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and orthodontic needs. Busy professionals in Las Cruces will appreciate the flexibility, discretion, and convenience that Invisalign offers. However, for those with more complex cases requiring precise corrections, braces remain a trusted and highly effective solution.

At Legacy Smiles Orthodontic Specialists, we’re committed to helping you make the best choice for your unique smile goals. Our orthodontic services include the latest advancements in both Invisalign and braces, ensuring that you receive personalized care tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Care

How do I know if Invisalign or braces are better for my dental needs?

The answer depends on your specific orthodontic goals and the complexity of your case. Your orthodontist will conduct a thorough evaluation to recommend the best treatment option for you.

How long does orthodontic treatment usually take with Invisalign or braces?

Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case and how well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Consistency in wearing Invisalign aligners and attending regular appointments for braces adjustments are both key factors in achieving timely results.

Looking to boost your confidence or explore orthodontic care options for your busy lifestyle? I encourage you to contact us online or call Legacy Smiles Orthodontic Specialists at 575-522-1500 to schedule a consultation with our experts. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign® is a highly advanced orthodontic system that creates a series of custom aligners. These medical-grade plastic aligners move teeth gradually into ideal positions.

Benefits of Invisalign

Comfortable

Invisalign trays are comfortable to wear because they are molded from smooth, clear, medical-grade plastic. Unlike braces, they do not rub against delicate oral tissues, causing sores and irritation. After patients become accustomed to wearing the aligners, they may not feel them.

Discreet

Most adults and older teens prefer discreet orthodontic treatment. Braces often draw unwanted attention. With Invisalign, no one needs to know you are straightening your teeth.

Highly Effective

Invisalign and braces are equally effective. Invisalign can treat crooked, gapped, and misaligned teeth. The system works on minor to moderate dental bite issues.

No Food Restrictions

Since Invisalign trays come out when you eat and drink, you do not have to remove certain foods from your diet. Crunchy, chewy, or hard foods like candy, popcorn, and nuts pose no issues if you thoroughly clean your teeth before replacing the aligners.

Better Oral Health Outcomes

Since Invisalign trays can come out, you can care for your teeth much better than with braces. Patients with braces frequently have trouble cleaning all the food and plaque between the brackets and wires. Their oral health may worsen during treatment if they are not careful. Invisalign eliminates this problem and promotes better outcomes.

 

Good Candidates for Invisalign

If you meet the following criteria, you may be an excellent Invisalign candidate:

The Invisalign Process

The first step is taking digital impressions with an intraoral scanner. The Invisalign software processes the scans and creates a 3-D digital model of your dentition and oral tissues. The orthodontist uses this model to design your aligners. They can also show you "before and after" depictions of your teeth.

 

When the trays return from the Invisalign lab, the orthodontist will ensure they fit and then instruct you on their use. You will use each aligner in the series for about one to two weeks.

 

As you make progress through the series, the aligners will move a few teeth at a time and create an ideal smile. After the final aligner, you must wear a retainer as prescribed to keep your results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

Why should I see an orthodontist for Invisalign?

While many general dentists have received training in Invisalign's use, orthodontists understand more about tooth alignment and can provide better outcomes.

Can my child get Invisalign?

Both teens and adults can receive Invisalign. 

Call Legacy Smiles Orthodontic Specialties

Invisalign may be your perfect solution if you want an even, aligned smile but don't want to deal with brackets and wires. Please call Legacy Smiles Orthodontic Specialties at 575-522-1500 to schedule your appointment today.