Is It Normal to Experience Jaw Pain With Braces?
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Braces come with the shiny prospect of brightening your smile and straightening your pearly whites once and for all. But most of the time, people complain about experiencing jaw pain after undergoing the treatment. So, if you find yourself wincing when you bite down on food or wake up with a sore jaw, it’s probably because you just got your braces tightened. However, to learn why this happens and how you can minimize the pain, carry on reading this blog.
Is Jaw Pain Normal With Braces?
Orthodontic treatments are meant to reshape your teeth and jaw. That is why, when it comes to braces, it is common to experience an onset of pain and discomfort in your jaw. Due to the movement of your teeth, the pressure from the metal wires shifts to the jaw, realigning your smile.
However, it is important to note that jaw pain typically arises when you get your braces tightened. The discomfort is at its peak during the initial days after readjustments, but the pain tends to go away on its own over time. In the case that your jaw pain refuses to budge, reach out to Dr. Samuel Collins. He will thoroughly inspect your teeth before prescribing pain relievers or other preventive treatments to reduce the ache.
Why Does My Jaw Hurt With Braces?
If you experience jaw pain with braces, then chances are the treatment is working. This is because jaw pain is a common side effect of braces. The pain generally results from the metal wires and brackets pushing against your jaw to shift it into a proper position. It also depends on how strong your braces are. That is to say, if the purpose of your braces is to simply readjust your teeth, then the discomfort in your jaw will be temporary. However, the pain will probably last longer if the braces are meant to realign your jaw specifically.
Other Causes of Jaw Pain
Jaw pain is not something you can brush off. Once the pain settles, it can make moving your mouth extremely difficult, be it for brushing your teeth or eating. Moreover, sometimes, the pain isn’t simply because of the orthodontic treatment but rather an underlying case of TMJ disorder.
The temporomandibular joints are what keep your jaw intact. They connect the lower jaw to the skull, allowing it to move freely. However, if either one of these joints gets inflamed or damaged, it can lead to a lot of pain. Not to mention, if the condition of the TMJ is really bad, your orthodontist might need to pause the treatment before continuing. This is because the constant pressure tends to do more harm than good.
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Closing Words
A lot of our patients complain about jaw pain after getting braces, but that is a normal aftereffect. The pain typically fades away in a few weeks time. However, you can try OTC pain relievers or apply a cold compress if it persists. Alternatively, you can also consult Dr. Samuel Collins at Rosenberg Dental & Implant Center for more information. To schedule an appointment, simply dial (281) 369-9242 today and allow us to take care of the rest!