The drawbacks of misaligned or crooked teeth extend beyond aesthetics. This is because of the impact that misaligned or crooked teeth can have on other aspects of oral and maxillofacial health. Perhaps the most significant example of this is the effect that crooked teeth can have on the mechanics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jawbone to the face.
To safeguard your oral and overall health from these negative effects, it's important to understand the repercussions of dental misalignment on the TMJ and the importance of early intervention.
What's the TMJ and What Is Its Significance?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull. The TMJ facilitates essential, routine functions like biting, chewing, speaking, and swallowing. Proper function of the TMJ is important for oral health, as well as for preventing broader issues like headaches, neck pain, facial discomfort, and a chronic clicking or locking of the jaw.
The Negative Effects of Crooked Teeth on the TMJ
Crooked teeth often disrupt what should be a harmonious relationship between the upper and lower jaws and place undue stress on the TMJ. As a person's jaw compensates for misalignments, repeated pressure is exerted on the TMJ, which leads to symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, clicking sounds, and restricted jaw movement. Prolonged misalignment can contribute to the development of temporomandibular disorders that affect the development and alignment of the jaw and can result in facial growth issues like asymmetrical growth, influencing overall facial structure.
Untreated bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), which is related to TMJ dysfunction, can result in a boxy or "overgrown" appearance of the jaw muscles.
Treatment Options to Prevent or Correct TMJ Effects
Fortunately, in the event of TMJ issues, there are several preventive and corrective treatment options available, including:
- Orthodontics. Orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners address crooked teeth, alleviate TMJ strain, and prevent potential issues.
- TMJ therapy. Specialized TMJ therapy involves exercises, stretches, and other therapeutic measures to relieve the pressure caused by misaligned teeth.
- Dental appliances. Customized dental appliances like splints or mouthguards can help to reposition the jaw and mitigate TMJ stress.
- Surgery. In severe cases, corrective jaw surgery may be recommended as a comprehensive solution to address both crooked teeth and TMJ issues.
Expertly Ensuring TMJ Health in Long Beach
If you're in the Long Beach area and think your misaligned teeth may lead to TMJ issues, contact dentist Dr. Albert Luan and the Gold Coast Dental Care team to schedule a consultation and discuss your preventive and corrective care options!