I think I have TMJ disorder! I have never had problems before treatment and can’t help but wonder if it’s Invisalign that has caused my TMJ problems. Is that possible? My mouth hurts to open wide and I keep waking up with terrible headaches. Also, my whole left-side of my face hurts.
– Ben in Arkansas
Ben,
It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint exactly what may be causing your TMJ problems. Typically, Invisalign or orthodontics don’t negatively affect the TMJ. What is more likely is a change in bite, a trauma of some sort, or even genetics. Although, it is not out of the realm of possibilities that the teeth that have moved have impacted your TMJ. But it would be more likely that there were some underlying issues prior to the Invisalign that may have been emphasized from the treatment.
You need to discuss your TMJ problems with the dentist that is administering your Invisalign. He or she will likely want to address the problem to help alleviate your pain. Then, when the symptoms have been addressed, they can determine if you continue on with Invisalign. The change in your bite that has resulted from Invisalign may have increased the severity of the dysfunction. The Invisalign company strongly discourages those with TMJ or TMJ symptoms to use the aligners. So although Invisalign likely didn’t cause it, the symptoms can worsen while using the system. So be sure to discuss it with your dentist right away to make a plan. It’s much more important to remedy the TMJ issues, than continue with Invisalign at this point in time.
This post is sponsored by York PA dentist Donald H. Currie, DMD.