A sore, painful jaw can be a symptom of a variety of tooth problems. While the doctor or dentist is usually a person’s first call to address this pain, orthodontists can sometimes help as well. In this article, we will explain how orthodontics can help to reduce jaw pain.
Understanding Jaw Pain
There are a variety of issues that cause jaw pain. Sometimes, this pain is caused by headaches, sinus pain, or conditions like arthritis. Dental issues are another common culprit. Jaw pain might indicate a problem like a tooth decay or gingivitis that has spread to the jaw. These conditions will require dental procedures to address the pain. If your doctor and dentist cannot find another cause for your pain, you might have a TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint (or TMJ) is the joint that connects your jaw to the skull. A disorder with this joint is a common cause of jaw pain.
How Orthodontics Can Help
There are many different causes of TMJ disorders. Some patients experience TMJ disorder due to bite problems or misalignments. For these patients, orthodontics can help to align the teeth, fix the bite, and reduce jaw pressure. For patients who struggle with chronic pain, these orthodontic treatments can be life-changing.
Ready to Learn More?
Do you suffer from chronic jaw pain? Orthodontics might be the solution. During an orthodontic consultation, a professional will assess your teeth, bite, and jaw to determine if orthodontics is the right solution for you. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Bar, call Adventure Orthodontics at 281-353-5556.