Clear Aligners vs. Braces: How They Affect Jaw Joints in Teeth Straightening

Ever wondered how different teeth straightening methods impact your jaw joints? Clear aligners, or CAs, have become super popular in the last few decades. But, there's not much solid evidence on how they affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is like the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. This study aimed to compare how maxillary molar distalization—a fancy term for moving back teeth—affects the position and size of TMJ in people with overbites, using both clear aligners and traditional braces.The researchers wanted to know if there were any differences between the two methods. They looked at how the jaw joints moved and changed in size during treatment. It turns out, both clear aligners and braces can cause some shifts in the TMJ. However, the changes were generally small and didn't seem to cause major issues. This study is important because it gives us a better understanding of how different orthodontic treatments might affect the TMJ. It's a reminder that while clear aligners are convenient, they might not be the best choice for everyone, especially if you have a complex bite issue.