TMJ | Can Braces Really Help? [5 FACTS]

Last Updated on September 22, 2019

TMJ. Will braces help. It’s normal to be a bit nervous when you first go to an orthodontist. Here at the Schulhof Center, we make it easy for you to relax and enjoy the time that you spend here with us. Certainly, Dr. Adam Schulhof has a love of orthodontics, and you’ll be able to see that every time that you come in for an appointment. By combining cutting-edge technologies with skill and expertise, the Orthodontist can provide you with care and treatment options that are customized to your specific concerns.

People Also Ask

• Can TMJ be treated with braces?
• Can braces cause TMJ?
• Does insurance cover braces for TMJ?
• Can braces fix jaw problems?

Options That Fit

We believe that each patient is unique, so the Orthodontist will take the time to listen to what you wish to accomplish so that he can provide you with the options that are best suited to your situation. With up-to-date technologies, we can provide you with braces that are designed to suit your lifestyle while getting you the smile you want. Options that are available include:

• Traditional metal brackets
• Transparent ceramic brackets
• Shaped metal brackets – Wildsmiles
• Invisible, clear plastic aligners – Invisalign/Invisalign Teen
• Lingual, behind the teeth – Incognito/Incognito Lite

Will Braces Help my Severe TMJ?

Firstly, TMJ affects the joint that connects the lower jaw, or mandible, to the upper jaw and skull. This joint, called the temporomandibular joint, is located right in front of the ear. When this joint becomes misaligned, it can cause problems such as pain, clicking or grinding noises, improper bite, headaches, and more.

Causes

While this disorder is highly treatable, it often helps to determine the cause of the alignment malfunction to determine the appropriate course of action. There are many factors that can lead to misalignment of the temporomandibular joint. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Existing problems with bite
• Missing teeth
• Clenching the jaw
• Grinding teeth
• Tension and stress

Any of these issues can drastically affect bite. The temporomandibular joint is designed to slide and rotate to allow for proper functioning. Problems, such as those listed above, can cause too much pressure on this joint. This can result in the joint slipping out of place, resulting in pain and other symptoms. Treatment should be based on regaining proper alignment of the temporomandibular joint. That’s where orthodontics comes into play.

Other Methods to Avoid TMJ

Depending on the source of the problem and the intensity of symptoms, TMJ disorder can sometimes be treated non-invasively, using splints or night guards, which hold the teeth apart to prevent grinding. Other treatments include muscle stimulation to minimize tension in the jaw, stress reduction and the regular application of heat to the joint.

Orthodontics and TMJ

You may have heard that a night guard or a splint can help with symptoms associated with this joint disorder. In some cases, this can be true. However, the treatments are only as good as the dental appliances that are used, so it’s important to turn to a specialist such as an orthodontist for appropriate fit. While these appliances may take some strain off of the joint to reduce some of the symptoms you might be experiencing, this disorder will not go away until issues with misaligned bite are effectively addressed.

Moreover, orthodontics offers a truly effective treatment option for individuals who suffer TMJ. Special appliances can be used to correct the causes of malocclusion, which is the term used for an improper bite. Issues that can be helped include:

• Underbite – where the lower jaw extends outward
• Overbite – where the upper teeth extend way out in front of the lower teeth
• Crossbite – where the upper teeth rest behind the lower teeth
• Crowding – where teeth don’t have enough room to erupt from the gums

When problems with the bite are resolved, the temporomandibular joint can gently slip back into place.

How the Schulhof Center Can Help

When you turn to the Schulhof Center for orthodontic treatment, Dr. Adam Schulhof wants to make the experience memorable by providing a fun and comfortable environment. On your journey to achieving the smile that you’ve always dreamed of, the Orthodontist will work to make the process easier for you.

Instead of your treatment being a chore, we’ll help you to have a more positive adventure on the road to an aesthetically improved smile. We’ll be happy to set up a payment plan that will best fit your budget so that you can make interest-free payments that are designed so you won’t have to break the bank.

Trust the Expert

As the number one provider in the entire nation for the Incognito line, Dr. Schulhof offers this completely customizable technology that is truly invisible. Brackets are expertly placed behind the teeth where they remain hidden during the course of treatment.

With the comfort and convenience of Incognito, patients can still enjoy their regular activities, such as playing wind instruments or sports, without injury or interference. Certainly, Dr. Schulhof has extensive experience in the field of Orthodontics and is happy to share his passion by spending time as an international lecturer and a clinical instructor.

A FREE Consultation

Dr. Adam Schulhof has a passion for orthodontics and puts this to great use to help you find a treatment option that will best fit your lifestyle. Accordingly, you have choices when it comes to what type of appliance will suit you and your budget.

• Traditional – metal or ceramic brackets with metal wires
• Wildsmiles – shaped metal brackets show off personality and are fun to wear
• Invisalign – clear plastic aligners for nearly invisible wear
• Incognito – behind the teeth brackets are truly invisible

Certainly, as a leading authority and pioneer in lingual orthodontics, doctor Schulhof is a Premier Provider of Incognito. You can get the treatment that you seek for TMJ without the worry of metal brackets being visible for all of the world to see. Thus, the brackets are very low profile, allowing you to speak and eat without the risk for irritation of the sensitive tissues inside of your mouth.

Finally, If you’re suffering from symptoms of TMJ, turn to Schulhof Center. To find out more about your options, give us a call today. Schedule your appointment and start an amazing journey to a beautiful new smile

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The Schulhof Center for Cosmetic Orthodontics
125 East 69th Street
New York, NY 10021

TMJ | Can Braces Really Help? [5 FACTS]

Adam Schulhof

Dr Schulhof graduated with high honours from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and received his specialty training from Columbia University.

His early interest in lingual orthodontics has led to him becoming the top provider for Incognito in the U.S. and the world. Dr Schulhof was part of the LingualCare Clinical Advisory Board and is now a Key Opinion Leader for 3M and Incognito. He has presented lectures on lingual orthodontics throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Dr Schulhof is also active in research and development and was a major contributor to the development of Incognito Lite. Recently, New Jersey Orthodontist Dr Schulhof has opened a satellite practice in NYC.