Do Braces Help with TMJ Disorders?

Can Braces Help With TMJ? Here’s What You Should Know

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain, discomfort, and jaw dysfunction. These issues may interfere with everyday activities like chewing or speaking.

Typically, braces are seen as a solution for straightening teeth. However, some believe they can also help correct bite issues linked to TMJ. At East Lansing Modern Dental, we’re here to clarify whether braces can actually help with TMJ—and what other treatment options are available to relieve your pain.

Understanding TMJ Disorders and the Role of Braces

What Is TMJ Disorder?

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), each side of your jaw has a TMJ. You can feel the joint by placing your fingers just in front of your ears and opening your mouth.

Generally, TMJ disorders fall into three main categories:

Joint issues (such as disc displacement)
Problems with the chewing muscles (masticatory muscles)
Headaches associated with jaw dysfunction

Some of the most common TMJ symptoms include:

Ringing in the ears
Limited jaw movement or locking
Jaw stiffness or chewing discomfort
Pain that radiates to the neck, face, or head
Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
Bite changes
Dizziness or hearing loss

Can Braces Treat TMJ?

Braces can shift your teeth and adjust your bite. However, that doesn’t mean they treat TMJ. In fact, they may even worsen symptoms in some cases.

According to the NIDCR, there’s no scientific evidence that misaligned teeth cause TMJ disorders—or that orthodontic treatments like braces can cure them.

Alternative TMJ Solutions We Offer

Instead of relying solely on braces, we offer custom bruxism nightguards to manage grinding and clenching—common triggers of TMJ discomfort. These guards fit comfortably and protect your enamel while you sleep.

Although the NIDCR notes limited evidence that nightguards relieve TMJ symptoms, they may still provide relief for certain patients. Talk to our dentist to see if a nightguard could work for you.

How TMJ Treatment Can Improve Your Life

✅ Better Physical Function

In many cases, TMJ issues are temporary and don’t worsen over time. A simple treatment plan may be all you need.

Our dentist will examine your jaw, face, head, and neck for sore areas, joint noises, or movement restrictions. Depending on what we find, we may suggest targeted therapies to:

Improve blood flow
Relieve muscle tension
Reduce overall pain

In more severe cases, we may explore surgical options.

✅ Personalized Support & TMJ Education

We’ll review your medical history and go over your symptoms in detail. Specifically, we’ll ask:

Where does the pain occur?
When does it happen?
What triggers it?
Does the pain stay in one area or spread?

By understanding your unique case, we can help you set realistic goals and create a personalized management plan.

✅ Medication When Needed

When appropriate, we may prescribe medications like anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants to ease your discomfort. Be sure to ask how and when to take them for the best results.

Let’s Talk About Your TMJ Symptoms

Still have questions about TMJ treatment or how we can help? Call the caring team at East Lansing Modern Dental today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to provide real answers, personalized care, and lasting relief.

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