Can correcting an overbite help TMJ?
Orthodontic treatment: Traditional braces or Invisalign correct alignment issues to reduce TMJ pain caused by overbite, underbite, crossbite, or other problems. Nightguard: This small plastic device protects the tooth enamel from nighttime teeth grinding and can also realign the jaw to reduce the problem at the source.
What is the danger of an overbite?
In severe cases, an overbite can lead to health problems like jaw pain, gum disease or tooth decay. In children, a dentist or orthodontist can treat an overbite with braces or other corrective devices. Adults who have overbites may need jaw surgery to correct the misalignment.
What are the severe symptoms of TMJ?
Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:
- Pain or tenderness of your jaw.
- Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints.
- Aching pain in and around your ear.
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing.
- Aching facial pain.
- Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth.
How does an overbite affect your jaw?
The most severe effect of an overbite is TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain and headaches. The TMJ connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone. The joint facilitates oral functions such as chewing. The misalignment of bones can lead to pain in this interconnected system, as well as ear pain.
Is TMJ caused by overbite?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, an overbite can cause jaw pain while eating and may also lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. TMJ dysfunction affects the hinge joint, which connects the lower jaw to the rest of the skull.
How do you know you have overbite?
Symptoms of Overbite
- Jaw stiffness, making it hard to open or close your mouth fully.
- Difficulty chewing and eating properly.
- Lockjaw.
- Popping noises from the jaw when you open and close your mouth.
- Persistent earaches.
- Headaches.
Can an overbite cause TMJ?
Is it OK to live with overbite?
You can live with an overbite, but letting an overbite go untreated can have serious consequences for your teeth, mouth, and overall health. It’s best to correct an overbite to achieve a healthy, straight smile, to avoid gum disease, excessive wear and tear on the teeth, or even tooth loss.
Can TMJ affect your brain?
It can cause “brain fog,” a state of mental confusion and difficulty focusing. TMJ syndrome patients were found to score poorly on cognitive tests and used different regions of the brain than normal to complete tasks.