Do retainers have any effect on tmj?

We all have TMJ: Tmj or the temporomandibular joint is found in all people, they make the jaws work. When disease is found there it is called TMJ disorder. Orthodontic treatment hopefully positioned your teeth in harmony with the overall physiologic balance of the jaw joint area. If you did not have jaw pain prior to treatment, you should not have it afterwards.

Also: Retainers are used to "retain" the position of teeth after orthodontic care. There are over 100 different designs of splints and they are designed to do different things. Prior to making one a diagnosis is needed to determine which will resolve the particular problem a patient has.

Possibly: Some patients are very sensitive to any bite changes, especially with retainers. If any part of the retainer is interfering with your bite, then it may cause the patient to brux or grind on that spot, leading to jaw tenderness and other symptoms. I frequently adjust retainers for such issues. Have your retainers checked to bite evenness by your orthodontist.

Perhaps: Depends. If they fit well and were constructed with your TMJ problem in mind, should be fine. If your TMJ is aggravated by a retainer, ask orthodontist, Consider second opinion.