5 Ways Dental Orthotics Help Relieve Headaches and Jaw Pain
If you suffer from frequent headaches or chronic jaw pain, your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) may be at the root of the problem. TMJ disorders can cause a cascade of painful symptoms that interfere with daily life. At Peninsula Center of Cosmetic Dentistry in Mountain View, CA, we offer dental orthotic therapy as a highly effective solution to address these issues at their source. Here are five ways dental orthotics can help relieve headaches and jaw pain.
1. Repositioning the Jaw to Alleviate Joint Pressure
When your bite is misaligned, it places excessive strain on your TMJs. This imbalance can lead to inflammation, pain, and dysfunction. A custom dental orthotic gently repositions your jaw into a more natural, balanced position. By reducing the pressure on the joints, the orthotic helps to alleviate both jaw discomfort and the tension that often radiates into the head, contributing to headaches.
2. Reducing Muscle Tension and Spasms
Jaw misalignment often forces the surrounding muscles to overcompensate, leading to chronic muscle tension, spasms, and pain. These overworked muscles can trigger tension headaches, facial soreness, and even neck or shoulder discomfort. Dental orthotics allow these muscles to relax by guiding your jaw into an optimal position, reducing strain and promoting muscle relaxation over time.
3. Preventing Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)
Bruxism is a common contributor to both jaw pain and headaches. The constant grinding or clenching of teeth puts significant pressure on the TMJs and the muscles of the face and head. A dental orthotic acts as a protective barrier and actively discourages harmful grinding behaviors by improving bite alignment. This not only protects your teeth from wear but also diminishes the muscle tension that often leads to headaches.
4. Improving Blood Flow and Reducing Inflammation
Chronic tension and joint misalignment can restrict blood flow to the head, neck, and jaw muscles, contributing to pain and inflammation. Dental orthotic therapy improves jaw alignment, which can help restore healthy circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve the headaches and facial pain associated with TMJ dysfunction.
5. Encouraging Long-Term Healing and Stability
Unlike temporary solutions that mask symptoms, dental orthotics are designed to promote long-term healing. By consistently supporting the jaw in its ideal position, a dental orthotic helps stabilize the TMJs, allowing the muscles, joints, and ligaments to heal properly. Many patients find that as their TMJ condition improves, the frequency and severity of their headaches and jaw pain diminish significantly.
Personalized Care at Peninsula Center of Cosmetic Dentistry
At Peninsula Center of Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand that no two patients are alike. We use advanced diagnostics, including 3D imaging and computerized jaw tracking, to thoroughly evaluate your bite and jaw function. If dental orthotic therapy is appropriate, we custom-craft your appliance for a perfect fit and optimal therapeutic benefit.
Our goal is to provide lasting relief from TMJ-related pain so you can enjoy a better quality of life. Many of our patients experience significant improvements within weeks of starting dental orthotic therapy.
Schedule Your TMJ Consultation Today
If you’re living with chronic headaches or jaw pain, don’t wait to seek treatment for TMJ in Mountain View, CA. Contact Peninsula Center of Cosmetic Dentistry, to schedule your comprehensive TMJ evaluation. Let our expert team help you discover how dental orthotic therapy can offer the lasting relief you deserve.
