If you are having pain, headaches, or difficulties while chewing, you might have heard the term TMJ disorder. What you might not be aware of is that an underbite, which is a form of dental malocclusion, can lead to the disorder. By becoming aware of the effects of dental malocclusions, such as an underbite, on jaw health, you can begin to overcome the discomfort.
In this blog article, we will delve into the relationship between underbites and TMJ disorders. We will also touch on the effects of misaligned teeth, the importance of proper tooth alignment, and why it is important to address these topics with guidance from your local dentist in San Clemente.
What Is an Underbite?
An underbite is where the lower jaw sticks out further than the upper jaw, and therefore the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth whenever the mouth is closed. This, in turn, causes several problems. These can range from difficulties in eating and talking to ensuring good oral hygiene. However, it can also cause further problems, including TMJ problems.
The temporomandibular joint is the hinge that connects your jaw and skull. If your teeth are not properly aligned, for example, if your lower teeth extend in front of your upper teeth, it can cause significant stress on your TMJ, potentially leading to pain and even dysfunction of your temporomandibular joint, a condition commonly associated with TMJ disorder.
How Are Teeth Supposed to Sit?
When the teeth are correctly aligned, the upper teeth should complement the lower teeth without pressure or discomfort. The upper teeth should slightly overlap the lower teeth, but they should never be too prominent. The proper alignment of teeth, therefore, allows for proper biting and masticating functions so that the jaw and TMJ are always balanced.
In the case of an underbite, the natural alignment of the teeth and the jaw is disturbed. This is because the lower jaw protrudes, which causes the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth. This will put pressure on the muscles and the TMJ, which can cause some pain.
The Connection Between Underbite and TMJ Disorder
In an underbite, the normal relationship of how teeth come together is altered, creating an uneven distribution of forces in the jaw. This will, in turn, make it harder to move your jaw, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain in this area. The symptoms of TMJ disorder, in most instances, include:
1. Jaw Pain or Tenderness
Such pain may vary from mild to severe, especially when eating or talking. Eventually, the constant pain of the misalignment makes it hard to carry on daily activities such as eating.
2. Clicking or Popping Sounds While Moving the Jaw
A clicking or popping sound may be produced when the jaw joint moves in an unusual direction due to pressure as a result of misaligned teeth. This popping sound may be accompanied by an unpleasant feeling and, in some cases, may be a symptom of jaw mobility problems.
3. Headaches or Migraines
Sometimes this strain in the jaw muscles can radiate pain to the temples and back of the head, causing constant headaches or even migraines. This type of pain can significantly affect an individual’s life.
4. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
As the misalignment of your teeth interferes with normal jaw movement, you will also see that it is becoming more difficult to chew food and talk clearly. This is due to the unnatural position of your jaw, and in order to compensate, you’re having to move your mouth in unnatural ways.
5. A Feeling of the Jaw Locking or Getting Stuck
TMJ disorder due to an underbite can cause your jaw to lock when you try to open or close your mouth. This can be quite infuriating, especially when your jaw gets stuck and you feel pain. In severe cases, an underbite may lead to chronic TMJ disorders that require treatment by a dentist in San Clemente.
Generally, TMJ disorders result from some dental malocclusions or other dental problems. Thus, when treating them, it is imperative to understand that correcting underlying malocclusions, such as an underbite, will play an important role in managing them. This is because these disorders result from some dental malocclusions. As mentioned, an underbite can cause significant pain if left untreated.
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder and Underbite
If you have both an underbite and TMJ disorder, treatment is required in order to help combat pain and improve your overall quality of life. There are a variety of ways in which an underbite and TMJ disorder can be treated:
- Braces and Clear Aligners: An underbite can be corrected by using either braces or clear aligners. In both cases, it can help to properly position your teeth. Although both options are effective for correcting an underbite, it is important to compare the advantages and disadvantages of braces and aligners.
- Dental Surgery: In more serious cases where the problem cannot be corrected with braces, surgery might be necessary to correct the position of the jaws and the teeth. The procedure is recommended for adults with severe misalignment.
- TMJ Therapy: If there are TMJ problems, physical therapy, massage therapy, or wearing bite guards can help ease jaw tension. An individual can benefit by working with a dentist to get a personalized plan for TMJ therapy.
Additionally, laser dentistry may be used alongside other treatments to effectively address issues such as inflammation and pain, thereby ensuring a more comprehensive treatment plan. It is imperative to discuss the suitability of laser dentistry for your condition during your consultation with the dentist in San Clemente.
Finding the Right Treatment for Your Jaw Health
Understanding the connection between underbites and TMJ disorder is vital for anyone facing any level of jaw discomfort or pain. By treating the root cause of the jaw alignment, which is the underbite, discomfort in the TMJ can be reduced or avoided altogether.
If symptoms indicate TMJ disorder or an underbite, it is important to consult a professional dentist in San Clemente to learn more about treatment options. At Smile Design Dental Group, we are here to help guide individuals toward a positive journey with their health.
Questions People Ask About Underbite & TMJ Disorder
1. What causes an underbite?
An underbite is typically caused by genetic factors, such as the jaw’s size and alignment. It can also result from childhood habits like thumb-sucking, which can affect jaw development and lead to misalignment over time.
2. Can TMJ disorder be caused by stress?
Yes, stress can lead to TMJ disorder by causing jaw clenching or teeth grinding, both of which strain the jaw muscles and joints. Over time, this repetitive pressure can lead to TMJ discomfort, inflammation, and pain.
3. How long does it take to fix an underbite with braces?
The time to fix an underbite with braces varies, usually ranging from 18 months to 3 years. Treatment duration depends on the severity of the misalignment and the patient’s age, with longer periods often required for more severe cases.
4. Are there other symptoms of TMJ disorder?
In addition to jaw pain, TMJ disorder can cause clicking or popping sounds, headaches, earaches, and facial pain. These symptoms can be frequent and vary in severity, often interfering with daily activities like eating or speaking.
5. How can I relieve TMJ pain at home?
To relieve TMJ pain, apply warm or cold compresses, perform gentle jaw stretches, and avoid chewing hard foods. These methods help reduce muscle tension and inflammation, providing temporary relief while you seek professional treatment.
