Chances are, you’re somewhat familiar with the impact crooked teeth can have on your oral health. From directly increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease to causing speech impediments, poor bite affects all aspects of your smile. But one serious issue that rarely gets the coverage it deserves is crooked teeth and how they indirectly affect jaw health.
Why the Jaw Matters
Your jaw joint is like a finely tuned clock. Also known as the temporomandibular joint, this joint is unlike any other joint-socket connection in your body as it allows the jaw to move freely in almost any direction. When all parts are in balance, the system is perfectly in sync, allowing all parts to function correctly and efficiently. When the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) works perfectly it allows you to move your jaw in all directions and chew, bite, and swallow without issue.
However, all it takes is damage to a small portion to throw the entire system out of balance. Just as trauma and arthritis can take a toll on the jaw joint, poor bite and crooked teeth can all indirectly affect the health and success of the jaw joint. Without treatment, you can end up facing serious discomfort or pain when trying to complete basic tasks.
How Poor Bite is Ruining your Joint
Malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth does more than compromise the look of your smile. When teeth are not in the correct position, pressure is unevenly distributed across the top of teeth as you bite and chew. Not only does this lead to uneven wear on your teeth, it also alters the biting and chewing pattern. Over time the jaw joint becomes strained and it becomes painful to even open or close the mouth.
What Symptoms Should I Look For?
Jaw joint pain comes in many forms. Better known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), some symptoms patients should be on the lookout for include:
- Pain and stiffness when chewing
- General pain in the jaw or face
- Problems with speech as well as difficulty talking or pronouncing certain words and sounds
Thanks to modern dentistry, there are now many treatment options for patients experiencing any type of jaw pain. One of the most popular solutions for both teens and adults is orthodontics. Recommended when the cause of TMD can be traced back to the alignment of teeth, braces
help reposition teeth into the correct position without the need for surgery.
Thinking about Braces? Ask our Brickell Orthodontist if They’re Right for You!
At the Center for Invisible Braces, our goal is to provide patients with an orthodontic treatment that improves all aspects of their smile. To learn more about how braces can alleviate your joint pain, call (786) 563-4973 and make an appointment with our orthodontist in Brickell today!