Invisalign Every Other Night Causing TMJ Problems

Hi, I just wanted to inform you I think wearing my invisalign every OTHER night has caused TMJ type problems that radiate to the eye/eyelid as a subtle resistance when I try to move eyes and droopy eyelid. Soon after I switched to this schedule from just every night, within a few months I noticed such problems. I got my eyes checked too and it was very slightly blurrier but power had only changed from 0.25 to 0.5 which they said shouldn't have any effect and any other problems were ruled out by ophthalmology and I noticed if I move my jaw right, my left eyelid droops very slightly and vice versa so I think there is a connection (maybe my jaw keeps changing position every night when eyes are closed and retainers on vs the next night) (and moving eyes far left/right may also modulate how open eyelids are so maybe this is how it is linked). I also noticed a pulling in my teeth after getting glasses and this pulling was modified by retainers and when I move my eyes. I wanted to check if it is ok to wear the retainer only once a week/less frequently? I am also worried because this may be standard protocol but I really think this is causing my "tmj" and eye issue as everything else has been ruled out and this has in my experience modulated the pulling sensation when I tried without my retainer for a few days.

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Answer: Wearing retainer less frequently

By Sarah h
Dental Professional

 Your retainer should be worn as instructed.  I have never heard of an orthodontist recommending to only wear your retainer every other night.  Usually for the first 3 months it is to be worn 22 hours a day, then it can be switched to wearing it nightly.  When wearing any dental appliance intermittently, it allows room for shifting to take place.  Once teeth shift, your bite is changed and joint issues can occur.  I have never heard of a patients bite being effected by their eyesight and vice versa.  If you have seen an opthamologist, and all vision issues were addressed, seeking a TMJ specialist may be necessary.  If there is not one in your area, an oral surgeon would be the next best option. 

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