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TMJ & Braces
What is the relation between Orthodontics, (commonly referred to as "braces") and TMJ? This question comes up particularly for adult patients who are considering "getting braces". Teenagers are typically still growing when they are getting their braces so it is difficult to say one way or another. This is not to say there are no teenagers with this disease.
If one truly suffers from TMJ and chooses to ignore the symptoms, the symptoms will probably be just as bad if not worse than before getting braces. It is nearly impossible to predict if you can live with the symptoms of TMJ or for how long.
Alternatively, correcting the TMJ (and the jaw position) first can then be followed by having braces. This way, the teeth not only look nice and straight, they also support a healthy joint.
There are some people who believe that getting braces will help with their TMJ. Depending on the severity of the problem with the TMJ this may happen, though not very likely.
So what if you get braces and when you get done you realize you cannot live with the pain and now want to get your TMJ corrected. The problem here is that usually your treatment after braces will be more difficult than before. Also, you may need braces after you get done with your TMJ therapy, meaning braces for a second time.