Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing, when no external source is present. This phenomenon arises from altered nerve activity within the auditory pathways. Orthodontic treatment uses braces to apply forces that move teeth and restructure jaw alignment. The link between these concerns is indirect, stemming from the close anatomical proximity of the jaw to the ear structures, and explores how mechanical changes caused by braces can affect tinnitus symptoms.
The Orthodontic Connection
Braces do not directly damage the inner ear or auditory nerve, which are the typical causes of tinnitus. Orthodontic treatment can indirectly trigger or worsen existing tinnitus through mechanical changes in how the upper and lower teeth meet. The temporary alteration of bite mechanics introduces stress to the jaw joint, potentially inducing a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This process can temporarily shift the jaw’s resting position, causing muscle strain and joint imbalance, which manifests as somatic tinnitus originating from non-auditory sources.
Understanding the Jaw Ear Connection
The anatomical relationship between the jaw and the ear allows dysfunction in one area to affect the other. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull, situated close to the middle ear structures. The TMJ is separated from the ear canal by a thin bone plate, and its movements occur near auditory system components. The connection is established by shared nerve pathways, such as the trigeminal nerve, and specific ligaments that attach the jaw bone to the tiny hearing bones within the middle ear. When the TMJ is stressed or inflamed, this shared neural and ligamentous network can become irritated, leading to somatic tinnitus.
How Braces Influence Jaw Alignment
Orthodontic treatment involves the controlled movement of teeth, which inevitably changes the way the teeth meet, known as the occlusion. The constant, gradual forces applied by the wires and brackets reposition teeth, temporarily forcing the lower jaw into a different position when biting or resting. This temporary bite relationship puts undue stress on the TMJ and the surrounding masticatory muscles. This muscular strain or joint imbalance creates the conditions for a temporary TMD, which can trigger or worsen somatic tinnitus during the active phase of treatment.
Steps If You Suspect Braces Are the Cause
If you experience ringing or buzzing after starting orthodontic treatment, accurately document the symptoms. Note the specific onset date and whether the tinnitus intensity changes following an adjustment appointment. This information helps establish a timeline and a potential relationship between the treatment and the auditory symptoms. Promptly schedule a discussion with your orthodontist to report the new symptoms; they can evaluate your bite mechanics and adjust the wires or appliances to alleviate stress on the joint. It is also prudent to consult with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to rule out common causes like noise exposure or earwax buildup before attributing the tinnitus to the orthodontic treatment.