Has your child complained about a painful popping or cracking in their jaw? Do they have a stiff jaw or regularly have headaches? If so, these might be symptoms of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. 

The TMJ is a joint that sits just in front of your ears and helps your jaw move. It works like a sliding hinge that connects the jaw bone to the skull. Unfortunately, it can become inflamed due to overuse or stress and cause jaw pain. 

TMJ issues are common in teenagers, especially girls (more on this later). However, with care from a dental office in Vancouver, WA, you can help your child find relief. Braces or other orthodontic treatments could be the solution you need.

Understanding TMJ and Jaw Pain

Technically, everyone has a TMJ since it’s the abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint. Sometimes, people use the term “TMJ” to refer to discomfort in this area. But this discomfort is more accurately called TMJ dysfunction (TMD).

Each joint connects your jaw to the temporal bone, helping your jaw move in all directions, making this joint quite unique. Essentially, these joints give you a full range of movement, allowing you to chew, speak, and yawn. 

TMD can affect any part of this system, from the joint to the jaw muscles. For example, the muscles and ligaments connected to the joint can become inflamed or damaged through trauma or arthritis. 

Patients with TMD can have a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

• Trouble opening your mouth.
• Jaw pain or stiffness.
• Jaw locking in the open or closed position.
• Popping, grating, or clicking sounds when you open and close your mouth. 
• Headaches, neck aches, earaches, or shoulder pain.
• Facial swelling.
• Pain in multiple teeth.
• Pain when chewing.

Some patients can also experience tinnitus, which is a ringing in the ears.

Although there are many causes of TMJ disorders, the primary reason that teenagers develop this condition is stress. Teenagers experience stress every day, often because of the rapid changes they go through or uncertainty about the future.

When kids are stressed, they tend to clench and grind their teeth. They might do this subconsciously or while sleeping. The clenching and grinding puts significant pressure on the joints and facial muscles, and eventually, it can cause joints to become misaligned. Girls can also be more susceptible to TMJ due to hormonal changes. 

How Braces Can Help With TMJ

Your jaw joints are used for almost everything that happens within your mouth. When you have misaligned teeth, one side of your mouth may experience additional biting pressure. This can strain your jaw muscles and joints or cause your jaw to move too far forward. 

Many parents choose braces to help correct their child’s bite and misaligned teeth. These orthodontic appliances slowly reposition the child’s teeth or jaw. When they are in the correct place, the jaw joint is relieved of pressure, which reduces TMD symptoms.   

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment for TMJ

Braces can be an effective solution for treating TMJ dysfunction. Upon completing treatment, your child could experience the following benefits. 

Reduced Strain on the Jaw Joint

When the upper and lower jaws fit together correctly, the joint is less stressed. Braces also address crossbites, overbites, and underbites to create a balanced bite. This balanced bite relieves some pressure from the joint providing relief from the pain. 

Alleviated Jaw Pain and Discomfort

Braces can both address the underlying cause of TMJ discomfort and reduce pain. If your child’s teeth are misaligned, certain areas of the jaw can bear the brunt of more pressure due to how the teeth fit together. Once your child’s teeth and jaw are in the proper position, your child will have less jaw pain, headaches, and muscle tension.

Improved Overall Jaw Function and Health

TMJ dysfunction can limit your child’s ability to speak, eat, and complete routine activities comfortably. Braces can improve the jaw’s function, giving your child better oral health and a higher quality of life. 

What to Expect During Treatment

Every patient has a unique experience with TMJ pain. An experienced orthodontist will understand that and complete a comprehensive exam before starting treatment. 

You can expect the following during your consultation:

• The dentist will go over your child’s medical history in detail.
• The dentist will examine your child’s bite and how the upper and lower teeth fit together. 
• X-rays will be taken to get a detailed picture of how the bones and joints are functioning together. 
• The dentist will make an assessment based on the symptoms presented and your child’s smile goals.
• A personalized treatment plan will take into account your child’s unique situation and recommend the best course of action to help them achieve relief from their TMJ symptoms. 
• The dentist will be keen to answer all your questions to ensure you understand and are comfortable with the proposed treatment. 
• A treatment timeline will give you an idea of when treatment will begin and how long it should take for your child to achieve a straighter, pain-free smile. 

Whether braces are the right solution for your child or they need additional treatments, an orthodontist can help you and your child make an informed decision.

Types of Braces and Appliances

Braces are a standard solution for addressing TMJ issues, but other treatments may be more beneficial to your child. Potential treatment options your dentist may recommend include:

• Braces.
• Other orthodontic appliances, like bite splints.
• Myofunctional therapy (exercises to help the muscles).
• Medication.
• Lifestyle modifications.

In rare cases, surgical intervention may be required. However, this is reserved for patients who don’t respond to more conservative methods. 

Dr. Mo’s Approach at Must Love Kids

Dr. Mo is the kids’ dentist in Vancouver, WA, who can help your child find relief from TMJ pain. She offers personalized treatment plans for TMJ-related orthodontic care. Dr. Mo provides comprehensive care and monitoring throughout treatment and never leaves you wondering what happens next.

Addressing TMJ concerns early is the best way to handle them. Schedule a consultation for your child to see how we can help. Contact Must Love Kids today!