Here in northern Indiana, Orthodontic Alliances is the top of the line choice for orthodontic care. We see patients of all ages and correct a host of issues. That’s right, orthodontic care is about more than just improving the look of your smile.

When people begin thinking about braces, they don’t realize the possibilities. In fact, many dentists are becoming trained in basic orthodontic solutions so that they can offer more to their patients. Even so, most dentists don’t have the training to turn those orthodontics into solutions for major dental problems, like TMJ dysfunction.

Today, we want to spend some time discussing how a simple orthodontic solution can completely change your health experience! Did you know that recurring headaches and migraines might be able to be corrected with braces? It is a little-known treatment fact that we can’t wait to explain to you, so let’s get started!

Aren’t Braces Just For Kids?

We know what you’re thinking. Aren’t braces just for kids who have messed up teeth? Is this really a solution for my headache? We can see why you would think that. After all, the vast majority of orthodontic patients you see and know are kids who are in middle school, right?

It’s a common misconception that braces only benefit kids. In fact, about a quarter of the adults in this country could also benefit from orthodontic treatment for one reason or another. Even if you had braces as a child, you might still find that additional treatment is necessary. After all, teeth often go back to their old position with time!

Cosmetic Benefit, and So Much More!

Of course, most adults want to think about the cosmetic benefit of orthodontics. It’s definitely there, but there is so much more to consider! As we mentioned earlier, one of the most exciting treatments that adults should consider is using orthodontics to treat TMJ dysfunction.

We know thinking about wearing braces as an adult probably makes you pretty nervous. We don’t blame you for that anxiety, but you should know that braces now come in many looks and options, so you can get orthodontic treatment without giving up your self-confidence!

What is TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ dysfunction is a fairly common dental problem that occurs when the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) becomes injured or strained. You have two TMJs, one on either side of your face, just in front of your ears. These joints move your lower jaw up and down nearly a thousand times each day!

You may or may not notice that there is an issue with your TMJ. Some patients will hear clicking or popping as they chew, while others will experience facial exhaustion or pain in the neck and shoulders. The most common side-effect of TMJ dysfunction is a headache that recurs, often around the same time each day.

TMJ dysfunction is caused when your joints are damaged or under stress. This might happen due to an injury or strain on your jaw. This strain often comes from misaligned teeth that clench and grind together during the day or night. They cannot find a comfortable resting place together, and so they move constantly!

Orthodontics Can Treat the Problem

Hopefully you can already see how orthodontics can benefit this situation! If your teeth are unable to fit together comfortably due to misalignment, some form of braces will be your answer! Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect!

Realigning Your Smile: The basis of orthodontics is to realign your smile, which means that we will adjust your teeth so that they rest comfortably together when you bite down. By completing this task, we are removing your jaw’s need to grind and clench constantly!

End the Discomfort: Once your teeth are comfortably in place, your entire jaw will feel different. Your teeth will be more comfortable, as will your jaw muscles! For maybe the first time in years, your jaw muscles will be relaxed and at ease because they won’t be fighting to put your teeth in a different position!

Get Beauty in the Process: In the process, you will also gain a more aesthetic smile! Your teeth will be better aligned, and we can adjust the look of your smile zone while we are at it! So, not only will your headaches be gone, but you’ll look like a million bucks, too!

Begin Today with a Consultation!

Are you ready to find out more? Don’t spend the rest of your life taking pain-relievers to try to kill the headache! Find out what’s REALLY going on, and treat the problem at hand! If orthodontics can do that for you, we are here to help!

Contact us today to set up your first consultation where we can gather information about your jaw and get started with some resolutions! We can’t wait to see you soon!