A Guide for Patients Experiencing Bite Discomfort or Jaw Tension
- The answer to whether braces can fix TMJ is "it depends." Some jaw issues respond beautifully to orthodontic treatment. Others have a different root cause and need a different solution.
- The peer-reviewed evidence is mixed, and any orthodontist who promises to "fix your TMJ" without examining you first is not being honest with you.
- When jaw pain is caused by a misaligned bite, orthodontic treatment can often relieve the pressure on the joint and help symptoms improve.
- When jaw pain is caused by muscle tension, clenching, or joint disc problems, orthodontics may help in a supporting role, but the primary treatment usually comes from elsewhere.
- The most reliable next step is an evaluation. Our team will help you identify what's actually causing your pain and recommend the path most likely to actually solve it.
Root Cause 1: Bite Misalignment
Root Cause 2: Muscle Tension and Clenching
Root Cause 3: Joint Disc or Structural Issues
Root Cause 4: Habits and Behavioral Patterns
Introduction
You wake up. You stretch, you head to the bathroom, and as you reach for your toothbrush, you notice your jaw feels stiff. Tight. Maybe a little sore on one side. You think back, and you realize the same thing happened yesterday morning. And the morning before. You've been chewing on one side without really meaning to. You clicked when you opened wide a few days ago, and that quiet little pop has been on your mind ever since.
If something like that sounds familiar, you're not alone. Jaw issues are one of the most common concerns adults bring to us at Coleman Orthodontics , and the question we hear most often is a simple one: can braces fix this?
The honest answer is sometimes yes, sometimes no, and usually it depends. At Coleman Orthodontics , we believe you deserve a straight answer about what's actually causing your pain and whether orthodontic treatment is the right path. So this guide takes a careful, evidence-based look at the connection between orthodontics and jaw pain — what the research really says, what the most common root causes look like, and how we approach each one at our practice in Syracuse.
By the end, you'll have a much clearer picture of whether your jaw pain is the kind that braces can help with, or the kind that needs a different solution entirely.
Meet Dr. Brett Coleman and Dr. Tanner Godfrey
Dr. Brett Coleman is a board-certified orthodontist, a North Ogden native, and the first full-time orthodontist to serve the Syracuse area, having opened our practice over 22 years ago. He has been recognized by the American Board of Orthodontics, the Utah Dental Association, and the Utah Association of Orthodontists, and our practice was named the #1 Favorite Orthodontic Practice by Syracuse Magazine in 2023.
Dr. Tanner Godfrey works alongside Dr. Coleman as a board-certified orthodontist with a warm, patient-centered approach. Together, they have helped create more than 11,000 confident smiles across the Syracuse community.
What our patients tell us they appreciate most is that we don't oversell, we don't push treatments people don't need, and we tell you the truth about what is and isn't likely to help. That commitment to honest, evidence-based orthodontic care is part of why we're writing this guide the way we are.
What TMJ and TMD Actually Mean
Let's start with some quick vocabulary. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull on each side of your face. Everyone has two of them. They are remarkable little joints that have to slide, rotate, and absorb pressure thousands of times every day while you eat, talk, yawn, and smile.
TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, is the medical term for the cluster of conditions that can affect that joint and the muscles around it. People often use "TMJ" as shorthand for "TMD" in everyday conversation, but technically, TMJ is the joint itself, and TMD is when something has gone wrong with it.
TMD shows up in a variety of ways:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, or in front of the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- A jaw that occasionally feels stuck or locked
- Headaches, particularly around the temples
- Earaches or pressure in the ears without an actual ear infection
The estimated percentage of U.S. adults who experience symptoms of a temporomandibular disorder at some point. The right treatment depends entirely on what is actually causing your symptoms.
Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
The Honest Answer: Yes, No, and "It Depends"
Here is what the peer-reviewed evidence currently tells us about the relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD.
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple studies found a measurable association between orthodontic treatment and the occurrence of certain TMD symptoms, with high statistical certainty. However, the same review noted that temporomandibular joint pain and functional impairment specifically were not associated with orthodontic treatment.
A 2024 systematic review focused on adolescent patients found no statistically significant association between fixed orthodontic treatment and the development of TMDs. And a 2025 scoping review summarized the field this way: the evidence on orthodontic interventions for TMD is fragmented and inconclusive, creating a gap in clinical decision-making.
In plain English: research has not shown that orthodontic treatment reliably causes TMD or reliably cures it. The relationship depends heavily on what is actually causing the pain in the first place. That is why we organize this guide around root cause rather than around the symptoms themselves.
Honest Truth: If anyone tells you orthodontic treatment will definitively fix your TMJ before they have even examined you, walk out. The truth is much more nuanced, and you deserve a provider who tells you what they actually know and what they don't.
Root Cause 1: Bite Misalignment
This is the category of jaw pain where orthodontic treatment most often delivers meaningful relief. When the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly, the jaw joint compensates. Over months and years of compensation, that joint and the muscles around it can become inflamed, fatigued, and painful.
Orthodontic verdict: Often helps significantly
When your teeth don't meet properly, the muscles and joints have to work harder than they should. Correcting the bite often relieves that strain.
Common signs:
- Pain that worsens during or after chewing
- Clicking that happens predictably with certain jaw movements
- A bite that just feels "off," with teeth that touch in odd places
- Tooth wear concentrated in specific areas of the mouth
- Headaches in the temples after extended chewing or talking
What can help:
Orthodontic treatment to align the bite often reduces or eliminates this kind of jaw discomfort. The exact approach depends on your bite, but options may include traditional braces , clear aligners , expansion, or coordinated care with other specialists.
Root Cause 2: Muscle Tension and Clenching
Many people who think they have a jaw joint problem actually have a jaw muscle problem. The muscles that control your jaw are some of the strongest in your body, and chronic clenching or grinding can leave them in a near-constant state of tension. That tension produces real pain, and it often mimics joint pain even though the joint itself may be perfectly fine.
Orthodontic verdict: May help in a supporting role
When the muscles are the primary problem, fixing the bite alone usually won't resolve the pain. But orthodontic treatment can be part of a broader strategy.
Common signs:
- Pain that's worst in the morning or after stressful periods
- Soreness in the muscles of the cheeks, temples, or sides of the head
- Tooth wear on the biting surfaces of multiple teeth
- Awareness of clenching during the day, especially when focused or stressed
- Reports from a sleep partner of nighttime grinding
What can help:
Treatment typically focuses on the muscles first: nightguards, stress management, physical therapy, and sometimes targeted injections. Orthodontic care may play a supporting role by relieving compensation patterns or making a custom-fit nightguard easier to wear.
Not Sure What's Causing Your Jaw Pain?
A complimentary evaluation at Coleman Orthodontics gives you a clear, honest picture of what may be going on and which treatment path is most likely to actually help. Call us at 801-614-9090 or schedule online.
→ SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATIONRoot Cause 3: Joint Disc or Structural Issues
Inside each TMJ is a small disc of cartilage that acts as a cushion, allowing the joint to move smoothly. When that disc moves out of position, becomes worn, or, in some cases, degenerates, the joint itself starts to malfunction. This is a true joint problem, and it generally lives outside what orthodontic treatment alone can address.
Orthodontic verdict: Rarely the primary answer
These cases involve the actual structure of the joint. The right specialist is usually not the orthodontist alone.
Common signs:
- Loud or sustained clicking, popping, or grating sounds
- Episodes where the jaw catches or locks open or closed
- Pain located directly in front of the ear, sometimes radiating
- Significant limitation in how wide you can open your mouth
- Joint sounds accompanied by visible jaw deviation when opening
What can help:
Initial evaluation typically involves a TMJ specialist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or physical therapist with TMD expertise. Orthodontic treatment may have a role later, if the joint becomes stable and bite issues contribute to the problem, but it is rarely the starting point.
Root Cause 4: Habits and Behavioral Patterns
Some jaw pain isn't really about teeth or joints at all. It's about what we do to our jaws every day. Habits like chronic gum chewing, biting on pens or fingernails, resting the chin on a hand for long periods, holding the phone between the shoulder and ear, or even prolonged forward head posture at a desk can all contribute to chronic jaw strain.
Orthodontic verdict: One piece of a bigger puzzle
When habits are driving jaw strain, fixing the habit is the most important step. Orthodontic care can sometimes contribute, but it isn't the main lever.
Common signs:
- Pain that correlates with specific activities or postures
- Awareness of chronic jaw-related habits
- Symptoms that come and go based on stress, work patterns, or sleep
- Pain that improves significantly during vacations or restful periods
What can help:
Treatment focuses on behavior change, ergonomic adjustments, and sometimes physical therapy. Orthodontic care can help if a misaligned bite is also part of the picture, but addressing the habit itself is the most important step.
The Multidisciplinary Approach to Jaw Pain
One of the most important things we want every patient to understand is that jaw pain often involves more than one root cause, and the most effective treatment often involves more than one provider. Here is who may need to be involved depending on what's going on.
Orthodontist (us): Evaluates the bite, jaw alignment, and tooth positioning. Determines whether orthodontic treatment can help and how.
General dentist: Evaluates tooth wear, fabricates custom nightguards, monitors overall oral health.
TMJ specialist or oral surgeon: Diagnoses and treats joint-specific problems, including disc displacement and degenerative joint disease.
Physical therapist with TMD expertise: Addresses muscle tension, postural patterns, and helps retrain dysfunctional movement.
Sleep medicine doctor: Evaluates whether sleep-disordered breathing or sleep bruxism may be contributing to your symptoms.
Primary care physician or pain specialist: Coordinates care when symptoms involve broader pain patterns, stress, or other systemic factors.
At Coleman Orthodontics, we are happy to coordinate openly with any of these providers. We genuinely believe the best outcome for our patients almost always comes from a team approach, not from a single perspective.
How We Evaluate Your Case at Coleman Orthodontics
If you come to us with jaw pain, here is what to expect at your first visit.
- A thorough conversation. We listen to your symptoms, your history, and the patterns you have noticed. The details matter, and we take time to get them right.
- A clinical examination. Dr. Coleman or Dr. Godfrey will evaluate your bite, your jaw movement, the muscles around the joint, and the way your teeth come together.
- Advanced 3D imaging when appropriate. Our practice uses 3D X-ray imaging that gives us a detailed view of your teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures. This often reveals patterns that flat X-rays simply cannot.
- An honest conversation about findings. We share what we see, what we think may be happening, and what we believe is the most appropriate next step, even if that means referring you to a different specialist.
- A clear plan, not a sales pitch. If orthodontic treatment can help, we'll walk you through what that would look like. If it can't, we'll tell you that just as clearly and help you figure out where to turn next.
Why Syracuse Families Choose Coleman Orthodontics
For more than 23 years, Coleman Orthodontics has been Syracuse's trusted home for creating life-changing experiences through exceptional orthodontic care. Here is what sets our practice apart.
- Board-Certified Orthodontists: Both Dr. Coleman and Dr. Godfrey are board-certified, with deep training in the diagnosis and treatment of bite and alignment concerns
- 11,000+ smiles created across more than 23 years of serving Syracuse and the surrounding Utah community
- Named #1 Favorite Orthodontic Practice by Syracuse Magazine in 2023
- Advanced 3D imaging and digital scanning that allow us to evaluate jaw and bite issues with exceptional accuracy
- Complimentary consultations with no obligation, where you'll get a clear answer about whether orthodontic care is the right path
Our promise is simple: we will tell you the truth about what we see and recommend the treatment most likely to actually help you, even when that recommendation isn't braces. Beyond service, this is what genuine hospitality looks like at Coleman Orthodontics.
Conclusion
Can braces fix jaw pain or TMJ issues? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and the difference matters more than most patients realize. The right path forward depends on what is actually causing your symptoms, and the best way to find out is with a careful, honest evaluation.
Our team at Coleman Orthodontics is here to help you get clear answers and a thoughtful next step. Reach out anytime. Your jaw doesn't have to keep hurting.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
736 S 2000 W, Ste 2
Syracuse, UT 84075
Phone: 801-614-9090
Website: colemanorthodontics.com
Office Hours: Mon & Wed 8:30am-4:30pm | Tue & Thu 6:30am-2:30pm
→ SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAYFrequently Asked Questions
Can braces alone cure my TMJ pain?
Sometimes, yes. If your jaw pain is being caused by a misaligned bite that forces your jaw joint and muscles to compensate, orthodontic treatment can often relieve that pressure and reduce or eliminate symptoms. However, if your pain has a different root cause, such as muscle tension, disc problems in the joints, or chronic habits, braces alone are unlikely to fix it. A careful evaluation is the only way to know which situation you're in.
Will getting braces make my jaw pain worse?
The peer-reviewed evidence is mixed. Some studies have shown a measurable association between orthodontic treatment and TMD symptoms; others have shown no significant relationship. What we tell our patients is this: if you currently have active TMJ symptoms, we want to evaluate them carefully before starting any orthodontic treatment. In some cases, we may recommend stabilizing your symptoms first or working alongside a TMJ specialist.
How do I know if my jaw issue is something braces can help with?
Some signs that orthodontic treatment may help include pain that worsens with chewing, predictable clicking with certain jaw movements, a bite that feels obviously "off," and tooth wear concentrated in specific areas. Signs that point toward a different root cause include morning soreness from clenching, loud joint sounds, episodes of the jaw locking, or pain that correlates with stress patterns. The most reliable answer comes from a thorough clinical exam.
What if my jaw clicks but doesn't hurt?
Painless jaw clicking is very common and is not necessarily a cause for concern on its own. Many people click occasionally without ever developing TMD. That said, it's worth mentioning the clicking at your next dental or orthodontic visit so we can document the baseline. If the clicking becomes painful, more frequent, or accompanied by other symptoms, that's the time to schedule an evaluation.
How long does treatment take if braces can help my jaw pain?
It depends on the specific issue, but most bite-related orthodontic treatments take 12 to 24 months. Symptom improvement often happens earlier in treatment than full alignment, as the bite begins to settle into a healthier position. We'll give you a clear treatment timeline at your consultation, including any milestones related to your jaw symptoms specifically.
Should I see an orthodontist or a TMJ specialist first?
That depends on the nature of your symptoms. If you suspect your jaw pain is connected to how your teeth fit together, starting with an orthodontic evaluation makes sense. If your symptoms involve loud joint sounds, episodes of locking, or significant joint pain, a TMJ specialist or oral surgeon may be the better starting point. When in doubt, call our office. We're happy to talk through your symptoms briefly and help you decide where to start.
Sources
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. TMJ Disorders: Patient Information. View NIDCR resource
- Sahdev, R., et al. (2022). Association between orthodontic treatment and the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry. Read full study
- Park, H.-J., et al. (2024). The Relationship Between Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Applied Sciences , 14(23), 11430. Read full study
- Scoping Review (2025). Treating Temporomandibular Disorders Through Orthodontics: A Scoping Review of Evidence, Gaps, and Clinical Guidance. Clinics and Practice , 15(10), 182. Read full review
- American Association of Orthodontists. Patient Resources: Orthodontics and Bite Health. View AAO resources
This blog is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical, dental, or orthodontic advice. Jaw pain and TMD have many possible causes, some of which may require evaluation by other specialists. Please contact Coleman Orthodontics or your healthcare provider with specific questions about your symptoms or care.
