Do you need braces but suffer from TMJ? You do have options for addressing orthodontic work when you have TMJ. When teeth are not straight, it is a sign of instability. A reason not to start would definitely be TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems. Those problems include, but are not limited to, clicking in the jaw, muscle pain, joint pain, pain to chew, ear pain, migraines, limited opening or locking jaw closed or open. Just like you would not walk on a broken foot, you should not work on a “broken” jaw.
When the TMJ is unstable, it is like working in quicksand. The jaw has inflammation and the muscles are tense. The teeth could be moved in what seems to be the right position, but the tension and inflammation make the position unstable. This leads to increased TMJ problems during and after braces or other orthodontic procedures.
When you get the joints and the muscles pain-free, this means the inflammation and tension are gone. This is a stable point to start moving the teeth in the right position. To get to that point I recommend an orthotic along with muscle exercises and sometimes medication.
Once the treatment relieves the symptoms, the teeth can be moved into a position that you know is stable and is not going to cause more problems. The earlier you catch TMJ problems, the quicker and easier they are to treat, allowing you to get started sooner.
