Can Braces or Invisalign Fix TMJ Jaw Pain and Headaches?
Yes. If your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain is caused by a misaligned bite, orthodontic treatment can provide long-term relief. At Wall Street Orthodontics, Dr. Lucas Shapiro doesn’t just move teeth—he realigns the entire chewing system to reduce strain on the jaw, facial muscles, and neck.
Through precise diagnosis and targeted orthodontic treatment, we can correct the root cause of:
- Chronic jaw pain or tension
- Clicking or popping when opening your mouth
- Headaches and migraines
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Neck pain and facial fatigue
The Tech Behind the Relief: T-Scan & Modjaw
Traditional TMJ care often relies on observation and patient feedback—but modern pain deserves modern diagnostics.
At Wall Street Orthodontics, we use:
- T-Scan: A digital occlusion analysis system that precisely maps bite force, revealing where and how your teeth are contacting during chewing or clenching.
- Modjaw: A 4D jaw tracking technology that captures your jaw’s real-time motion and function in space, allowing us to see misalignments in action.
These tools give Dr. Shapiro the data needed to design a treatment plan that’s not just cosmetic—it’s neuromuscularly functional. By correcting your bite and jaw positioning, we can reduce inflammation in the TMJ, prevent chronic muscle tension, and restore natural function.
Orthodontics vs. Mouthguards: What’s the Difference?
Many patients with TMJ pain are given nightguards to manage symptoms. While this can reduce damage from clenching or grinding, it doesn’t address the underlying cause of the issue: bite misalignment.
Here’s how orthodontic treatment compares to long-term mouthguard use:
We often start with mouthguards to protect the teeth during acute flare-ups—but for many patients, braces or Invisalign are the long-term solution to eliminate TMJ symptoms altogether.
The Stress of Wall Street: How Your Jaw Reacts
If you live or work in NYC—especially around Wall Street and the Financial District—you may be more likely to clench or grind due to stress. These behaviors are often unconscious but put a huge strain on your TMJ and supporting muscles.
Over time, stress-related clenching can:
- Disrupt normal jaw motion
- Cause enamel wear and tooth sensitivity
- Lead to inflammation and pain in the joint
- Trigger facial tension and headaches
Through TMJ Therapy and functional orthodontic care, we help patients treat both the cause and the consequence of stress-related jaw disorders.
Lasting Relief Starts with a Better Bite
You don’t have to live with jaw pain.
Explore TMJ Therapy and bite correction with Dr. Shapiro today
