Did you know that your jaw health is closely associated with the health of your entire mouth? If you have alignment issues in your mouth—especially problems with your bite—it could be caused by or exacerbated by jaw problems. Your orthodontist in Norton, OH can take a closer look and be able to tell you if your jaw is influencing your alignment issues. At our orthodontic practice, we focus on addressing issues such as these.

Forcing the Jaw to Overwork

Imagine if you have a shift to work, but your co-worker calls in sick, leaving you to handle all the customers. Now imagine they never come back to work and you’re left running the entire store alone. Similarly, your mouth and jaw work like a finely-tuned team. With everything that the jaw and mouth do, the force of the effort is distributed when all is working as it should. But when teeth aren’t properly aligned, much of the load could be shifted to the jaw, and it may have to compensate by shifting or overworking, and this leads to temporomandibular joint disorders, characterized by pain, clicking sounds or difficulty opening and closing your mouth.

Common Alignment Problems

Issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites are common culprits of jaw-related problems. Crowded or spaced teeth can also disrupt the balance of your bite, causing uneven pressure on your jaw joints. Even minor misalignments can exacerbate over time, so early intervention is key.

Orthodontic Solutions

Modern orthodontic treatments offer effective solutions for correcting alignment issues and relieving jaw strain. Braces and clear aligners like Invisalign® gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment, creating a balanced bite. Clear aligners in Norton, OH are available at Hockenberger Orthodontics.

If you’re experiencing jaw pain or suspect alignment issues, our team is here to help. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step toward a healthier smile and pain-free jaw.