Aubrey came to Elevate Airway TMJ Sleep after years of feeling like previous dental visits focused on her teeth without really listening to her bigger health concerns. She had also experienced TMJ symptoms from a young age, including jaw soreness and episodes where her jaw could become stuck open. In this clinical story, Aubrey shares her experience using Invisalign clear aligners, while Dr. Stamm explains how improving her bite helped support a more comfortable, functional jaw position.
How Invisalign Helped Aubrey Find Relief From Jaw Pain and Locking
How Invisalign Helped Aubrey Find Relief From Jaw Pain and Locking
Key Takeaways
Transcript
Aubrey:
I initially came to Elevate because we were looking for a new dentist. We had been to two other dentists in Colorado and never felt like they really listened to us or were invested in our overall wellness. Here, they take the time to get to know you. They remember previous conversations, ask how you’re doing, and make you feel comfortable.
I’ve never enjoyed having dental work done because my jaw used to get stuck open, even during regular dental treatment. I had dealt with jaw issues for years and was hesitant to pursue orthodontic treatment because I had previously been told it could potentially make my jaw problems worse.
When Dr. Stamm explained how changing my bite could help move my jaw into a better position, it made sense to me.
I started treatment with Invisalign clear aligners and wore them for almost a year. The process was straightforward, I knew what to expect, and I felt guided throughout treatment.
Now my mouth and jaw feel more aligned. My jaw isn’t sore, and I don’t wake up with jaw soreness in the morning. I also feel more confident about my smile. Most importantly, I can go about my life with a comfortable jaw.
Dr. Stamm:
When Aubrey first came to us, she shared that she hadn’t felt heard at her previous dental offices. One of the things that’s important to us is understanding a patient’s full story and looking beyond just the teeth to consider their overall health.
Aubrey had experienced TMJ issues since she was younger and hadn’t found answers for how to address them. As part of her Pathway to Health, we evaluated her bite and determined that it was not in the ideal functional position.
We used Invisalign clear aligners to gradually move her teeth into a more functional bite position. This allowed her jaw to relax into a more natural position.
By improving the position of her bite, we were able to address one of the factors contributing to her symptoms. Aubrey experienced improvement in her jaw comfort and was happy with her results. It was an honor to help her finally find answers after dealing with these issues for so long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Invisalign help with TMJ or jaw pain?
Invisalign is not a universal treatment for TMJ disorders, but for some patients, bite position can contribute to how the jaw joints and muscles function. If an evaluation shows that tooth or bite alignment is contributing to the problem, Invisalign may be one part of an individualized treatment plan.
Can an uneven bite contribute to jaw pain or soreness?
It can. The way the upper and lower teeth come together can affect how the jaw joints and surrounding muscles function. A comprehensive TMJ evaluation can help determine whether bite position is one of the factors contributing to a patient’s symptoms.
Can Invisalign change the way my bite fits together?
Yes. Invisalign clear aligners gradually move teeth, which can change how the upper and lower teeth meet. At Elevate Airway TMJ Sleep, treatment planning can consider both tooth alignment and how those changes may affect bite and jaw function.
Why would a dentist look at more than my teeth when I have jaw pain?
Jaw discomfort can involve several interconnected factors, including the jaw joints, muscles, bite, clenching or grinding, airway and oral function. Looking at these factors together can help identify potential contributors rather than focusing only on where a patient feels pain.
What should I do if my jaw clicks, locks or feels sore in the morning?
Persistent jaw clicking, locking, soreness or difficulty opening comfortably can be signs that the jaw joints or surrounding muscles should be evaluated. A TMJ evaluation can look at your symptoms, bite, jaw movement and other contributing factors to determine appropriate next steps.
