Have you noticed that your jaw movements can sometimes feel strained, or difficult? Are you dealing with regular pain in your jaw joints, or in your face, neck, or head? These problems all tend to accompany TMJ issues. In addition to pain, and limited jaw movement, TMJ issues can also lead to a destructive teeth grinding habit. Your orthodontist has tools at their disposal to help recognize signs of TMJ problems. They can also develop a custom-made oral appliance that helps you correct problems with your jaw.

Questions:

True Or False: Your orthodontist can use advanced imaging technology to take a closer look at your jaw, and plan your TMJ treatment.

True Or False: Straightening your teeth can help correct your bite alignment. This is important, but it has no impact on your risk for TMJ problems.

True Or False: Your jaw joints are controlled by your trigeminal nerve, which controls sensation in your face, neck, jaw, and head.

Answers:

True! A Galileos ConeBeam-CT scan can produce an advanced image of your jaw. This image can be used by your orthodontist to plan a treatment for your TMJ issues.

False! One possible cause for TMJ problems is a poor bite alignment. By undergoing an orthodontic correction, you can correct your bite, and put less strain on your jaw joints.

True! TMJ problems may stem from your jaw, but unfortunately, your discomfort may spread further. People who suffer issues with their jaw joints can have pain that spreads to their face, their neck, and their head.