Can Braces Help with TMJ Pain?

Key Takeaways

• A misaligned bite can place extra strain on the jaw joints and may contribute to discomfort.
• Orthodontic treatment can help move teeth into balanced positions, relieving muscle strain in some individuals.
• Simple habits like wearing a night guard or eating soft foods can provide extra comfort from TMJ symptoms at home.
• Dental professionals can check early bite development in children and adults to detect problems early.

A common question we hear at Vita Dental Wellness is whether orthodontic treatment offers benefits beyond a straight smile. If you have a TMJ disorder, several factors may be contributing to your symptoms, including teeth grinding, muscle tension, injury, or, in some cases, the way your teeth come together. If bite alignment plays a role, orthodontic treatment may help improve how your teeth fit together and reduce strain on your jaw.

In some individuals, aligning your teeth with braces can help balance your bite and may help reduce TMJ-related discomfort.

The Basics of TMJ & Jaw Discomfort

An Overview of the TMJ

Your temporomandibular joint connects your lower jawbone to the side of your skull. This joint helps you chew your food, speak, and yawn when you feel tired. Because it’s almost constantly in use, any discomfort associated with it becomes very noticeable very quickly.

Common Causes of TMJ Pain

Sometimes these joints stop gliding smoothly along their normal path. If you clench your jaw muscles or subconsciously grind your teeth, you may be putting extra stress on your TMJ, contributing to the pain.

Another potential cause of TMJ pain could be a misaligned bite, which puts uneven pressure on your jaw joints every time you close your mouth. This uneven pressure may place uneven forces on the teeth, jaw, and surrounding muscles, which is why orthodontic treatment may be worth considering for some people.

Common Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

When your jaw is experiencing discomfort, you’ll likely notice it right away. While these symptoms can’t provide an immediate diagnosis, they are a good starting point to bring up with your dentist, who can assess your jaw and guide you towards next steps.

Some common symptoms of TMJ can include:

• Stiffness in your jaw muscles, especially upon waking up.
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the jaw.
• Difficulty fully opening your mouth.
• Frequent headaches.
• Pain around the jaw, face, or ears.

The Link Between Braces & Jaw Relief

How Orthodontics Change Your Bite

Braces apply gentle pressure to shift your teeth gradually over time. This slow process carefully moves your teeth into a balanced position.

If your TMJ is impacted by your bite alignment, getting orthodontic treatment may help relieve some of that tension. When the top and bottom rows of teeth fit together evenly, it spreads out the force of chewing your food, which may reduce strain on the teeth, jaw muscles, and jaw joints in some people.

The Timeline for Braces

Orthodontic treatment is a gradual process designed to slowly move your teeth into their preplanned positions. Your specific treatment time depends entirely on your unique needs. That said, many bite adjustments take 12 to 24 months to complete, depending on the treatment’s complexity.

Other Ways to Manage Chronic TMJ Pain

While you wait to see if orthodontic treatment is right for you, there are some simple home habits you can do to support your comfort in the meantime. This may include:

• Wear a custom night guard to prevent damage from teeth grinding while you sleep.
• Choose soft foods like yogurt or mashed potatoes to help rest your jaw muscles.
• Apply warm compresses to your cheeks to relax tired muscles.

Orthodontic Options for the Whole Family

Age Requirements for Orthodontics

You never outgrow the opportunity for a comfortable, straight smile. Adults can get braces at any age to help with tooth alignment. Children are often evaluated by an orthodontist as their permanent teeth develop, and if bite problems are identified, early orthodontic treatment may be recommended.

Our dentist in Chilliwack can evaluate TMJ health to determine if orthodontic treatment makes sense for your specific situation.

Schedule Your Consultation

If jaw pain, clicking, or clenching is affecting your day, Vita Dental Wellness can assess your bite, jaw joints, and teeth to help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms. Book a consultation with a dentist in Chilliwack to discuss whether braces, a night guard, or another option may fit your needs.