Can orthodontics correct TMD or jaw joint problems?
Quite possibly! Yet it depends. When teeth are not in their correct positions, the teeth can force the lower jaw out of its correct position. As lower teeth approach the upper teeth, the lower jaw may deviate from a normal, healthy trajectory of closure to avoid dental interferences. If there is a discrepancy between the best fit of the teeth upon closure and normal, healthy muscle and jaw joint function, the teeth will prevail to protect them from clashing and possibly fracturing, and the muscles and jaw joints will suffer. This is true whether we have a normal, healthy bite or a bad bite. We will close into the best bite that we have, for better or worse, and that bite may or may not be consistent with symmetrical, healthy muscle and jaw joint function. Will correction of the bite help? It will depend upon the adaptive change that have occurred in the jaw joints, the presence or absence of irreparable damage to the joints, and other factors. Our success rate ranges from 72% to 93% de
