Chronic headaches are debilitating and can affect one’s productivity as well as quality of life . Stress, diet and sleep patterns are all factors that can contribute to chronic migraines. However, dental health is often overlooked.
This blog will explore the possible link between orthodontics and chronic headaches. It will also shed light on the importance of seeking out the expert orthodontist’s expertise.
Orthodontics and Headache Relief
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects misalignments in teeth and jaws. These irregularities may cause a variety of issues including headaches, migraines, or jaw pain.
Orthodontic treatment can help with chronic headaches in several ways.
1. Correction of Bite Irregularities
A misaligned jaw can be one of the main causes of chronic headaches. When the upper jaw and lower jaw do not meet correctly, this can cause excessive strain on jaw joints and surrounding muscle.
This tension can lead to headaches. Orthodontists are able to evaluate your bite, and can recommend braces and other orthodontic appliances in order to realign the teeth and jaws.
Braces:
Metal brackets and wires are used to align teeth and correct bite problems. These braces are very effective at correcting malocclusions and misaligned tooth positions. They can also relieve headaches from dental problems.
Lingual Braces:
The lingual braces are similar in appearance to the traditional braces, but they are hidden behind the teeth. These braces can correct misaligned or crooked teeth and bite irregularities while remaining discreet.
Functional Appliances
They are orthodontic devices that correct issues related to the jaw and modify jaw growth. These devices can reduce tension and headaches caused by jaw misalignment.
2. Reduce Temporomandibular (TMJ), Joint Dysfunction
The TMJ is the joint that connects the jawbone and the skull. It plays an important role in chewing and talking. TMJ dysfunction can be caused by a TMJ that is stressed due to misaligned teeth or other dental problems. This often manifests itself as headaches, jaw pain and even earaches. Orthodontic treatments can relieve the strain on the TMJ and provide relief from headaches.
Orthognathic Surgery
In cases of severe headaches caused by dental or skeletal irregularities, orthognathic surgeries can be recommended. This procedure fixes the problems that cause headaches by correcting the position of both the upper and the lower jaws.
3. Relaxing Muscle Tension
Overworked facial muscle, particularly those involved in chewing and moving the jaw, can be caused by misaligned teeth or jaws. The tension in the muscles can cause headaches. The treatment will be to align teeth and jaws. This can reduce the strain on muscles, and possibly relieve headaches.
