If you’ve been experiencing jaw pain, you may wonder what steps you should take to address the issue. Many people are unaware that an orthodontist can help relieve jaw pain. Look at the importance of seeing an orthodontist for jaw pain here. Learn the signs of jaw pain, the causes, and the benefits of seeing an orthodontist – and also cover the different orthodontic treatment options available to help relieve jaw pain.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing misaligned teeth and jaws. Unlike general dentists, orthodontists have extensive training in dentistry, requiring longer schooling to understand orthodontic issues fully. How exactly do they provide treatment? You may be familiar with a few of them, but they include braces, retainers, and other appliances to move teeth and jaws into the correct positions. Also, you might be surprised to know that orthodontists can also help treat jaw pain caused by teeth or jaw misalignment.
Signs of Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can manifest in various ways. The most common ways that jaw pain manifests is through headaches, earaches, and facial pain. Additionally, jaw pain can cause difficulty opening and closing the mouth and tenderness or pain when chewing or speaking. Those signs, in particular, can inconvenience your daily life and even lead to other oral issues. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a professional.
Causes of Jaw Pain
There are several potential causes of jaw pain, including bruxism (teeth grinding), TMJ dysfunction, trauma, and misaligned teeth or jaws.
Bruxism is when a person grinds or clenches their teeth. It typically occurs as a stress response, or it usually happens during sleep. In addition, it’s been said to have been a predominantly childhood problem, but research has shown that the problem can persist into adulthood with different consequences. Teeth grinding has been associated with ADHD. Teeth grinding happens involuntarily and can be experienced alongside stress, anxiety and hyperactivity.
Furthermore, it can cause pain in the jaw muscles and joints, leading to chronic jaw pain. TMJ dysfunction is another common cause of jaw pain. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and it is the joint that connects your jaw and skull. Trauma, such as a broken jaw or a dislocated jaw, can cause pain. Lastly, misaligned teeth or jaws can cause jaw pain.
Benefits of Seeing an Orthodontist for Jaw Pain
Seeing an orthodontist for jaw pain can be beneficial for several reasons. An orthodontist is a specialist in the field of dentistry and has the expertise to diagnose and treat jaw pain. An orthodontist can also provide personalized treatment options to address your specific needs. Additionally, orthodontists have access to advanced technologies and treatments that can help to relieve jaw pain.
What an Orthodontist Can Do to Help
An orthodontist can help to diagnose and treat the cause of your jaw pain. They will take a thorough medical history, perform a physical exam, and take x-rays to determine the cause of your jaw pain. Once the cause is determined, they can create a treatment plan to address your needs.
Orthodontic Treatment Options for Jaw Pain
There are several orthodontic treatment options available to help relieve jaw pain. These include braces, retainers, mouthguards, and other appliances. Braces are the most common orthodontic treatment for jaw pain. Braces work by gently pressing the teeth into their correct position, which can help to relieve jaw pain. Retainers are also commonly used to treat jaw pain. They are devices worn over the teeth and help keep your teeth in their correct position. Mouthguards are another orthodontic treatment option for jaw pain. They are designed to prevent teeth grinding and clenching, which can help to reduce jaw pain. Additionally, other appliances can be used to help relieve jaw pain. These include splints, night guards, and bite plates.
Jaw pain can be a sign of a more serious underlying problem. It is important to seek help from a professional if you are experiencing jaw pain. An orthodontist is a specialist in the field of dentistry and can provide you with personalized treatment options to address your specific needs. An orthodontist can provide braces, retainers, mouthguards, and other appliances to help relieve jaw pain. If you are experiencing jaw pain, it is important to seek help from an orthodontist to address the issue.
