How The Brace Place Can Help Relieve Jaw Pain
Jaw pain, popping, or frequent headaches can make daily life uncomfortable and frustrating. These symptoms are often signs of TMD (temporomandibular disorder), a condition that affects the jaw joints and muscles that control chewing and speaking.
At The Brace Place, our orthodontic team in Irving and Grand Prairie, TX, offers advanced, non-surgical treatments for TMD that relieve pain, restore comfort, and help you enjoy your smile again.
What Is TMD?
TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder, a group of problems that occur when the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), the hinges connecting your jaw to your skull, don’t function properly. When these joints or surrounding muscles are strained, it can lead to pain, tension, and jaw misalignment.
Common symptoms of TMD include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening your mouth
- Headaches or migraines (especially in the morning)
- Ear pain or fullness
- Facial tightness or soreness
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Worn, uneven, or chipped teeth
- Neck and shoulder tension
If you experience these issues, a comprehensive evaluation at The Brace Place can help pinpoint the cause and provide effective, customized treatment.
What Causes TMD?
There isn’t a single cause of TMD; rather, it often develops from several contributing factors.
These can include:
- Underbites and crossbites
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Stress and muscle tension
- Joint inflammation or arthritis
- Jaw injury or trauma
- Airway or breathing issues that strain the jaw muscles
Dr. Washington, our orthodontist, will carefully evaluate your bite, jaw joints, and overall oral health to determine what’s causing your symptoms.
How The Brace Place Treats TMD
1. Orthodontic Bite Correction (Braces or Clear Aligners)
If your teeth don’t come together properly, the jaw muscles and joints can overwork to compensate.
By straightening and aligning the teeth with braces or aligners such as Invisalign®, we can:
- Reduce uneven joint pressure
- Relieve muscle tension
- Improve how your bite fits
- Prevent future strain or damage
Many patients notice significant relief once their bite is properly balanced.
2. TMJ Splints and Orthotic Appliances
Custom-made splints help relax the jaw muscles and guide the joint into a healthier position. These devices:
- Minimize clenching and grinding
- Protect the teeth from wear
- Reduce pressure on the TMJ
- Improve comfort, especially at night
Unlike over-the-counter nightguards, our appliances are precisely fitted and designed to correct your specific bite dynamics.
3. Airway & Breathing Evaluation
Breathing issues, such as chronic mouth breathing or airway obstruction, can contribute to jaw strain and TMD.
Our team evaluates your airway health and may recommend:
- Palatal expansion w/ RPE(expander) or Marpe appliance
- Orthodontic jaw guidance
- Collaboration with sleep or ENT specialists
Improving airway function can significantly reduce muscle fatigue and joint tension.
4. Supportive Therapies & Lifestyle Adjustments
In addition to orthodontic treatment, we often recommend:
- Gentle jaw exercises
- Heat or massage therapy
- Stress management techniques
- Avoiding hard or chewy foods during flare-ups
These strategies help support healing and long-term comfort.
Is TMD Treatment Painful?
Not at all. Most patients find the process comfortable and even relieving. Treatments like braces, aligners, and splints are non-invasive and gradually restore natural jaw function.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Treatment time depends on the severity of your condition:
- Splint therapy: 3-6 months
- Orthodontic correction: 12–24 months
- Combined approaches: customized to each case
Our team will explain your options and create a personalized timeline during your consultation.
Why Choose The Brace Place for TMD Treatment?
Dr. Washington has extensive experience diagnosing and treating bite-related jaw disorders. We focus on finding and fixing the root cause, not just masking symptoms. Our offices in Irving and Grand Prairie feature the latest imaging and orthodontic technology to provide precise, comfortable, and lasting results.
Get Relief From Jaw Pain Today
If you’re tired of jaw pain, headaches, or clicking, our team at The Brace Place can help. With personalized orthodontic treatment, we can correct the cause of your discomfort and help you smile and live without pain.
Locations:
- 3219 N MacArthur Blvd, Suite 120, Irving, TX 75062 Phone: (972) 255-0544)
- 2630 S. Carrier Parkway, Suite A, Grand Prairie, TX 75052 Phone: (972) 660-5522)
Call us today to schedule your TMD consultation and start your journey to a healthier, pain-free smile!