Can Orthodontic Treatment Cause TMD? What You Need to Know About Jaw Pain and Braces

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can be frustrating, painful, and often confusing, especially when they seem to flare up during or after orthodontic treatment. If you or your child has recently started braces, Invisalign, or other dental work and is now noticing jaw discomfort, clicking, or headaches, you’re not alone in wondering: Is this normal? And is orthodontic treatment to blame?

Let’s unpack the facts—without the fear.

What Does the Science Say?

The good news? There’s no strong evidence that orthodontic treatment directly causes TMD. High-quality studies and systematic reviews over the years have consistently shown that braces or aligners aren't a guaranteed trigger for jaw problems. In fact, some patients report improvement in their jaw symptoms following treatment.

However, the relationship between orthodontics and TMD is complex and individual. Here's why:

When Orthodontics Can Contribute to TMD

While not a direct cause, orthodontic treatment can sometimes exacerbate jaw discomfort in people who are already susceptible. Common risk factors include:

• Pre-existing TMD symptoms that weren’t identified before braces

• Bruxism (teeth grinding) or jaw clenching habits

• Stress and anxiety, especially in teens or adults undergoing major life changes

• Rapid or aggressive bite changes during treatment

• Oral appliances that shift the jaw into unnatural positions

• Lack of integrated care between dental, orthodontic, and physical therapy professionals

Our Expert Insight: It’s Not Just About the Teeth

At Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan, we’ve seen firsthand how TMD is often multifactorial—linked not just to dental changes, but also to muscular tension, poor posture, stress, and systemic health issues. That’s why we offer highly personalised, hands-on care for patients experiencing jaw pain during or after orthodontic treatment.

We collaborate closely with dentists and orthodontists to help:

• Relieve TMJ tension with manual therapy, dry needling, and therapeutic exercises.

• Rebalance muscle patterns around the jaw, neck, and shoulders

• Improve posture and reduce parafunctional habits (like clenching or tongue thrusting)

• Support recovery and function without disrupting orthodontic goals

  
  

What You Can Do If You're Experiencing Jaw Pain During Orthodontics

If you’ve started to notice pain, clicking, or limited jaw movement during treatment, don’t ignore it. Early intervention can prevent long-term discomfort. Here's what we recommend:

• Talk to your orthodontist or dentist about your symptoms

• Review recent changes in your bite or appliance use

• Book a physiotherapy consultation with a practitioner experienced in TMD

• Address lifestyle and stress factors, which often play a bigger role than expected

  
  

Gentle, Experienced Help Is Right Here in Buderim

We're a husband-and-wife team with decades of experience now helping Sunshine Coast locals move better, feel better, and live pain-free. Whether you're navigating new braces, recovering from dental surgery, or simply tired of jaw pain, we’re here with honest answers and effective, hands-on care.

By Simon.