TMJD braces and orthodontic treatment are considered dental therapy and are not covered by medical insurance.
Does dental insurance cover braces for TMJ?
Adults may be able to use their health insurance coverage for orthodontic operations, depending on their circumstances. If they seek an orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons, such as a “nicer smile to improve look…”, they are unlikely to be covered by insurance (Haney 2018b). Adults, on the other hand, may be covered for braces if they are medically necessary due to “, or an injury, disease, or symptoms” (Haney 2018b). “Non-biting incidents that impact the alignment of your teeth in the mouth,” “Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ or TMD) necessitating bite adjustments,” and “Sleep apnea when crooked teeth limit or block airflow” are examples of these injuries or disorders (Haney 2018b). However, because “the treatment is contentious,” some health insurance coverage may not cover braces for TMJ. Braces for TMJ are ineffective and frequently worsen the issue. There is no obvious advantage to the patient” (Haney 2018c). People require assistance from their orthodontist or physician “to demonstrate that your chosen orthodontic therapy is medically necessary” (Hirby). Adults can also “add complete dental coverage” to their health insurance policy to obtain benefits for orthodontic operations (Hirby). Orthodontic procedures may be covered by their employer’s medical insurance (“How Does Orthodontic Insurance Work?”).
Can TMJ be cured with braces?
When the mouth is opened or closed, Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder is a common joint problem that causes pain and discomfort. Don’t allow your illness go untreated, whether it’s tiny and only makes a slight clicking sound or severe enough to cause intense agony. By realigning the mandibular bone, a few basic procedures can rapidly cure this issue.
What is TMJ Disorder?
Different diseases that affect the temporal mandibular joint, face nerves, and jaw muscles are referred to as temporomandibular dysfunction. TMJ pain can be caused by twisting the jaw, opening or closing the mouth, or moving the jaw side to side. The muscles and ligaments that hold the TMJ in place can get injured or strained over time, causing the lower jaw to move out of alignment. It can also happen all at once in the event of a catastrophic occurrence in which the jaw moves too far out of alignment, impairing eating and speaking capabilities.
What Are the Causes of TMJ?
Although little is known about the etiology of this illness, it is linked to a collection of behaviors. Teeth grinding is a primary cause of TMJ dysfunction because it exerts a lot of pressure on the joint, which can aggravate an already inflamed joint. Teeth clenching exacerbates the problem by causing the face and jaw muscles to tighten, putting greater pressure on the joint. The temporal mandibular joint can be affected by arthritis in addition to teeth clenching and grinding. Another cause that aggravates TMJ is stress, particularly if you engage in hard physical activity such as lifting heavy objects, as the jaw muscles are overworked as a result of teeth grinding or clenching.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?
The following symptoms are frequently reported by those suffering from TMJ disorder:
Women (particularly those in the childbearing age range) are two times more likely than men to suffer from TMJ.
Orthodontic treatment for TMJ
There are three non-invasive therapies for TMJ disorder: a night guard that keeps your teeth apart and prevents them from grinding against each other; a splint that must be worn at all times; and braces to correct the bite. A night guard helps to relieve pressure on the temporal mandibular joint by allowing the joint to slip back into place, reducing the joint’s impact. A splint, unlike a night guard, must be worn all of the time, but orthodontic braces are one of the greatest TMJ therapies. TMJ condition is caused by bite problems and can be addressed efficiently with orthodontic braces. If you’ve been suffering from jaw pain, teeth grinding, or jaw clenching, orthodontic braces should be your first line of defense. Braces are meant to straighten your teeth while also reducing TMJ pain and discomfort.
Is TMJ a medical or dental condition?
Patients who experience clicking or popping in the temporomandibular joint may have TMJ disorder, which is a combination of jaw joint and facial muscle dysfunction. Patients who are feminine, suffer from stress or anxiety, or have other health issues that impact the muscles and joints may benefit from a consultation. Because TMJ might be caused by a medical issue, a dental issue, or a mix of the two, it’s important to figure out what’s causing the patient’s condition before developing a treatment strategy.
Can you get disability for TMJ?
As a result of their military service, many veterans develop TMJ. You may be eligible for VA disability compensation if you are a veteran who believes your TMJ is caused by your service.
Is TMJ permanent?
A TMJ issue occurs when the two joints that link the jawbone to the skull ache as a result of trauma, dislocation, or damage. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the name for this joint. Patients with TMJ suffer from mild to severe pain in the joint and have difficulty opening their mouths or even eating. Teeth grinding and clenching are two of the most common causes of TMJ pain.
However, this is not an incurable problem, and with the right treatment, TMJ pain can be permanently cured. To begin, you must cease grinding or clenching your teeth, as well as anything else that exerts pressure on the joint. You should also begin eating a soft diet to avoid putting too much strain on your teeth while biting down on something, as this places direct pressure on the TMJ.
What can a dentist do for TMJ?
Which or how many of these symptoms you get depends on the etiology of your TMJ. Your dentist or dental hygienist will check for discomfort in your jaw muscles at routine dental checkups to see if TMJ is present.
How Can a Dentist Help?
While many people think of dentists as merely teeth physicians, we can’t fully treat you unless we look at your mouth as a whole. Your temporomandibular joint is unquestionably a part of that system. A dentist can assist you in determining the cause of your TMJ condition and may recommend you to a physician or a specialty dentist for further evaluation.
There are dental procedures that can help with TMJ because it can be caused by tooth and jaw alignment issues. Your dentist may send you to an orthodontist for orthodontic treatment such as braces, which can straighten your teeth and jaws so that your mouth closes properly. In many circumstances, orthodontic treatment can relieve TMJ problems.
Your dentist may propose that you use a bespoke dental appliance if your TMJ is caused by teeth grinding or clenching. This gadget, also known as a bite plate or splint, prevents your upper teeth from grinding against your lower teeth. This bite guard will not only relieve TMJ symptoms, but it will also reduce damage on your teeth from grinding, which can lead to additional issues.
Other TMJ therapies include using hot and cold packs, using anti-inflammatory and/or muscle relaxant drugs, and practicing relaxation techniques to relieve jaw muscle tension. TMJ may necessitate jaw surgery in certain rare circumstances.
If you’re concerned that you might be suffering from TMJ problems, talk to your dentist about it. We aim to bring you pain and discomfort relief as soon as possible!
Are braces or Invisalign better for TMJ?
TMJ disorder is uncomfortable, but it also has other severe consequences for your oral health, such as fractured teeth, enamel erosion, gum recession, and damaged dental work.
Teeth grinding occurs in some persons on a regular basis, usually during times of stress. For some, particularly adults, a TMJ problem is a persistent ailment that necessitates treatment to alleviate and rectify. Teeth grinding can be treated with a variety of methods, but the most typical recommendations are a night guard or braces.
While you’re grinding your teeth, some full-coverage night guards protect your teeth from injury. Other devices work by relaxing the muscles that cause unintentional clenching. The molars do not come into contact, and you may be able to retrain your mouth and jaw to quit grinding and clenching.
Jaw misalignment, on the other hand, is one of the most common causes of TMJ disease. Braces are the most reasonable and practical way to fix this issue. The lower jaw and upper jaw are appropriately realigned using Invisalign to align your smile, not only making it seem better but also eliminating pain and suffering.
Why Invisalign Braces Eliminate TMJ Problems
Invisalign aligners are worn for 20 to 22 hours per day, which means you wear them when sleeping. During the night, the appliances act as a barrier between your upper and lower jaws, preventing teeth from rubbing against one another and reducing pain and joint damage.
The grinding will stop over time, not because of the aligners, but because Invisalign is straightening out your bite to make it healthier and more aligned. You’ll notice that the pain in your face and neck is lessening as well. The aligners work by reprogramming the muscles that cause tooth grinding, alleviating the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) opens and closes freely without pain or inflammation when teeth are properly aligned. When teeth are misaligned, the joint fails to function properly, causing pain and irritation. Invisalign braces take the pressure off while also giving you beautiful, straight teeth.
Get Rid of Your TMJ Problem with Center City Invisalign
The best way to get rid of TMJ issues is to choose the correct treatment for your situation. This is Invisalign for many people. Dr. Roberts and Dr. de Marsche are certified Invisalign practitioners who have successfully treated thousands of patients, providing them straight, comfortable smiles. Find out what type of orthodontic treatment is best for you if you grind and clench your teeth. Make an appointment at our offices in Philadelphia’s Center City or Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
Orthodontics for TMJ Treatment
If your main issue is TMJ pain rather than teeth alignment, you’ll likely seek out a doctor who understands the delicate balance of the jaw joint as well as your alignment and bite. This might be a conventional dentist with advanced training, an orthodontist like Dr. Peter Shih, or a TMJ specialist.
Orthodontics, when used correctly, can help move your teeth and bite into a healthy alignment, reducing the strain that causes your TMJ. But how could orthodontics, which is frequently used to cure TMJ, simultaneously be a cause of TMJ?
Disrupting the Balance
Most orthodontic treatments are designed to straighten teeth only, especially if there are no pre-existing TMJ issues, and sadly, some orthodontists and general dentists who provide orthodontic services are untrained in the relationship between alignment, bite, and TMJ. So they put braces on you and straighten your grin to make it appear nice, paying little or no attention to how these adjustments may have thrown off the balance of your natural bite and jaw joint.
The Takeaway
The quick answer to the question “Can orthodontics induce TMJ?” is that it canbut it can also help alleviate TMJ! TMJ dysfunction is complicated and can be caused by a variety of causes, not simply orthodonticsespecially if you started experiencing symptoms years after finishing orthodontic treatment.
If you have had braces in the past and now have TMJ, the most important thing to remember is to get treatment from a dentist, orthodontist, or TMJ specialist who is well-trained in treating TMJ disorders. If you’re thinking about getting braces for the first time and are worried about TMJ dysfunction, find a dentist or orthodontist who knows the delicate balance of teeth alignment, bite, and TMJ, and tell your doctor about your concerns.
This blog’s content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions about medical conditions, you should always seek the opinion of a certified health expert.
How long do you need braces for TMJ?
The length of time it takes for your TMJ therapy to relieve your symptoms is mostly determined by the treatment you choose.
- Orthodontics, such as braces, may be required to correct overbites, underbites, and crooked or misaligned teeth. The length of time you need to wear braces is determined by the severity of your issue. Treatment lasts anywhere from 18 months to three years for most adults.
- Massage and stretching of the jaw, neck stretching, and stress reduction activities can all provide immediate relief. Even so, it could take weeks or months to experience the full advantages.
- Dental procedures, such as tooth extraction, can help relieve the strain on your TMJ. This type of dental work typically takes 3 to 7 days to recover from. Surgery to repair jaw anomalies may be the best or only choice in more severe situations. In many circumstances, the recuperation time following surgery can be several months.
- TMJ mouth splints and mouth guards come in a variety of forms and can help ease jaw pain. Splints are normally worn for a period of time ranging from a few weeks to several months. Mouthguards are used to prevent jaw pain caused by bruxism, or teeth grinding. While the amount of time it takes for this treatment to function varies from patient to patient, it has the potential to be quite beneficial. If teeth grinding is the cause of your TMJ symptoms, you may need to wear a mouthguard for the rest of your life, or at least until you can stop grinding your teeth.
The vast majority of persons who suffer from TMJ pain and seek therapy claim there is a noticeable difference between their condition before and after TMJ treatment. The easiest method to receive the greatest results is to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice any discomfort or pain in your jaw.
What can be mistaken for TMJ?
You have two trigeminal nerves that govern your jaw, just like you have two temporomandibular joints on each side of your face. It’s simple to see why TMJ problem is frequently misdiagnosed as nerve dysfunction. Irritation of the trigeminal nerves causes intense pain in the face, teeth, and around the ear, as well as numbness or tingling on one side of the face. Trigeminal neuralgia pain, unlike TMJ discomfort, is characterized by a sensation of electric shock.