Behl Orthodontics

Jaw Pain, TMJ and Your Bite: What Orthodontics Can and Can’t Do

November 3, 2026

Reviewed by Dr. Yugal Behl, orthodontist · November 3, 2026

Jaw pain, clicking and stiffness are often signs of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a common problem with the jaw joint and the muscles that move it. TMD usually has more than one cause, often gets better on its own, and should be treated first with simple, reversible care. Braces and aligners are not a treatment for TMD itself, but an orthodontic exam can check whether you also have a bite problem worth correcting, and we can point you to the right care for the jaw pain.

What is TMJ, and what is TMD?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the two joints just in front of your ears that connect your lower jaw to your skull. They let you open and close your mouth, chew, talk and yawn. When people say they “have TMJ”, they usually mean a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD: pain or problems in those joints, the chewing muscles, or both.

TMD is common. Large studies suggest that a sizable share of adults have some TMD symptoms at some point, and women are affected more often than men. For many people the symptoms are mild and come and go.

What are the signs of TMD?

Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, or in front of the ears
Pain when chewing, or a jaw that tires quickly
Clicking, popping or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth
A jaw that feels stiff, or that sometimes catches or locks
Headaches or earaches around the jaw area

Clicking on its own, without pain or trouble opening your mouth, is very common and often needs no treatment. If your jaw locks open or closed, or you have pain after an injury to your face, see a dentist or doctor promptly.

What causes TMD?

There usually isn’t one single cause. Researchers think TMD comes from a mix of factors, such as:

Strain on the jaw muscles, including clenching or grinding the teeth
Arthritis or other changes in the joint
An injury to the jaw or face
Stress, poor sleep and other pain conditions, which can make jaw pain worse

For a long time, many people believed a “bad bite” was a main cause of TMD. Today’s research doesn’t support that as a general rule: most people with crooked teeth or a bite problem don’t develop TMD, and many people with TMD have an ordinary bite.

Can braces or Invisalign fix TMJ pain?

Not on their own. There isn’t good evidence that changing the bite with braces or aligners treats TMD or prevents it. The National Institutes of Health advises starting with conservative, reversible treatments and being cautious about treatments that permanently change the bite to treat TMD.

Where orthodontics does fit is when you have both jaw symptoms and a bite problem, such as a crossbite, a deep overbite or an underbite. In that case, correcting the bite can be worthwhile for its own reasons, such as chewing, tooth wear and keeping teeth easier to clean. We plan treatment with your jaw comfort in mind, and if your symptoms need care first, we coordinate with your dentist or a TMD specialist before starting. Read more about the bite problems we treat.

What helps TMD pain?

Most people improve with simple care, and a recent international guideline in the BMJ found that treatments that encourage movement and help people cope with pain are the most effective for long-lasting TMD pain. Things that often help:

Rest the jaw. Eat softer foods for a while, cut food into small pieces, and avoid gum, very chewy foods and wide yawns.
Heat or cold. A warm compress or a cold pack wrapped in a cloth on the sore side for a few minutes can ease pain.
Notice clenching. Many people clench during the day without realizing it. Lips together, teeth apart, jaw relaxed is the resting position to aim for.
Jaw exercises and physical therapy. Gentle stretching and exercises, ideally taught by a dentist or physical therapist, have some of the strongest research support.
Stress and sleep. Approaches that help with stress and coping, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, have good evidence for long-lasting jaw pain.
Pain relief. An over-the-counter pain reliever you would normally use, taken as directed on the label, can help for short periods. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you’re not sure.

Your dentist may also suggest a night guard if you grind your teeth. If pain lasts for months, a dentist who specializes in orofacial pain can help.

Can orthodontic treatment cause TMD?

Studies on this don’t agree, and there isn’t clear evidence that orthodontic treatment is a common cause of TMD. Because TMD symptoms often come and go on their own, some people notice jaw symptoms during treatment that would have happened anyway. If your jaw hurts, clicks painfully or feels stiff while you’re in braces or aligners, tell us. We can check it, adjust your plan if needed, and refer you for care.

When is jaw surgery part of the plan?

A small number of adults have a significant difference in the size or position of their jaws. For them, braces combined with jaw surgery may be recommended to correct the bite and the jaw position. That decision is based on the jaw relationship and the bite, planned with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, not on TMD symptoms alone. Learn more about surgical orthodontics.

What happens at an orthodontic exam if I have jaw pain?

Tell us about your symptoms when you book. At your visit, your orthodontist will:

Ask about your jaw pain, clicking, clenching, headaches and any past treatment
Check how your jaw opens and closes, and how your teeth come together
Take photos and X-rays, and a 3D scan if it’s needed for planning
Explain whether you have a bite problem that’s worth treating, and what the options are, such as braces or Invisalign clear aligners
Recommend where to get care for the jaw pain itself if it needs attention

You’ll leave knowing whether orthodontic treatment makes sense for you, and what to do about your jaw symptoms either way.

The bottom line

Jaw pain is real and worth taking seriously, but it rarely means you need braces. Start with simple, reversible care, and see a dentist if it doesn’t settle. If you also have a bite you’d like to correct, an orthodontic exam can tell you whether treatment is worthwhile, and we’ll make sure your jaw comfort is part of the plan.

Request a free consultation or call or text us at (757) 224-3004.