Will braces improve my jaw popping?!
Question: Will braces improve my jaw popping?
One of the orthodontists I've visited has claimed that it would, but im not entirely sure..
++ Thank you! And if anyone needs more details please ask me! :)
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
You are in denial because if your jaw clicks and pops then you have TMJ even if you do not have all those other symptoms you read about. Different people respond to TMJ in different ways and the symptoms you have read about were probably a comprehensive listing. Normal joints, whether they are located in the fingers, knees, or jaw do not make noises when they function. Some people have clicking and popping for years and have no pain or discomfort becasue their body can withstand the trauma and stress caused by TMJ disorders. Others, however, have severe pain and become incapacitated at the slightest bit of malfunction of the jaw joints. Normally, locking does not appear until the patient is older (30's and older). In time your jaw will start to lock but depending on how well your body handles stress and trauma, it may not happen in your lifetime. Most people are not that lucky, however.
A word of warning, many traditional orthodontists do not know how to treat TMJ. However, there are a few who have taken the time to attend advance courses to learn how to treat and avoid TMJ problems. Your best bet is to be treated by a general dentist or traditional orthodontist who knows how to do functional orthodontics.
IMHO, the most effective way to treat TMJ is in 2 phases. Phase 1 consists of reversible procedures that stabilize the articular disk and stop it from dislocating (the cause of the clicking and popping sounds). This will involve wearing a splint 24/7. Once the disk is stabilized for a minimum of 4-6 months and you have no more TMJ symptoms, then Phase 2 can begin. Phase 2 consists of irreversible procedures to change your bite, teeth, and lower jaw position to maintain the stability established in Phase 1. This will almost always involve a functional appliance that will permanently reposition your mandible forward and increase the posterior vertical dimension to keep the disk in place. Many traditional orthodontists do not know how to do this. You can check this link to find a dentist near you who can treat your TMJ disorder: www.iaortho.org.
functional orthodontist; treated TMJ since 1984
Yes. The reason for the popping in the jaw is because of your jaw not being lined up correctly. This is one of the many reasons I got braces myself and I havent had any popping since.