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- Long Beach, CA 90814
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When most people think about orthodontics, they picture straighter teeth and a more attractive smile. But there’s another, equally important benefit of orthodontic treatment—improved jaw health.
At Orthodontics of Long Beach, we know that aligning your teeth properly does more than make your smile look good—it helps your jaw function correctly, reduces pain, and prevents long-term damage. If you’ve experienced jaw discomfort, clicking, or other bite issues, orthodontic care could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Here’s how orthodontics can protect your jaw health and improve your quality of life.
Your jaw and teeth work as a team to let you chew, speak, and even breathe comfortably. When teeth are properly aligned, the force of biting and chewing is distributed evenly, keeping the jaw joints (TMJs) and surrounding muscles balanced and healthy.
When teeth are crooked, crowded, or don’t meet properly, this balance is disrupted. Over time, it can put excessive strain on your jaw joints and muscles, leading to pain, dysfunction, and even permanent damage.
Misaligned teeth and an improper bite can place excessive stress on your jaw, leading to a range of uncomfortable or even painful conditions. Below are some of the most common jaw problems associated with orthodontic issues — and how they can affect your daily life.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your jaw to your skull. Misaligned teeth or an uneven bite can force these joints to move in unnatural ways, leading to:
When teeth don’t align properly, some people unconsciously grind or clench their teeth—especially at night. This habit can cause:
An improper bite (malocclusion) means your teeth don’t come together as they should. This can include:
These conditions can cause uneven wear on teeth and overload the jaw muscles, contributing to pain and dysfunction.
Orthodontic treatment focuses on correcting tooth and jaw alignment to restore proper function and balance. Here’s how it helps:
By aligning the teeth and correcting the bite, orthodontic treatment allows the jaw joints and muscles to work as they’re meant to—minimizing strain and reducing pain or tension.
When your bite is properly aligned, you can chew more effectively and comfortably, which also supports better digestion and less stress on your jaw.
Correcting alignment issues now can help you avoid more serious problems later, such as uneven tooth wear, tooth fractures, gum recession, and worsening jaw pain.
Patients often notice relief from headaches, jaw pain, and facial tension after completing orthodontic treatment because their jaw is no longer compensating for misaligned teeth.
At Orthodontics of Long Beach, we offer a range of treatments designed to improve both your smile and your jaw health.
Traditional braces use brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into proper alignment, correcting bite issues that strain your jaw.
Clear aligners are a discreet option for treating mild to moderate alignment and bite problems. They also allow for more comfortable jaw positioning as treatment progresses.
For younger patients, palate expanders and other orthopedic appliances can guide jaw growth and create room for teeth to fit properly—preventing future problems.
In some children, early orthodontic care (Phase 1 treatment) helps correct jaw alignment while their bones are still developing, reducing the need for more extensive treatment later.
Not sure if your jaw issues are related to your teeth? Here are some signs that orthodontic treatment may help:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling a consultation to see if orthodontic treatment could relieve your discomfort.
Ignoring jaw discomfort or misaligned teeth can lead to more serious problems over time, including:
By addressing these issues early, you can improve not just your smile, but your overall health and quality of life.
At Orthodontics of Long Beach, we start with a thorough evaluation, which may include:
We’ll walk you through your options and explain how treatment can improve both your smile and your jaw health.
In addition to orthodontic care, there are some habits that can help keep your jaw healthy:
Orthodontic care is about so much more than appearances. A properly aligned smile supports a balanced bite, reduces strain on your jaw joints, and protects your teeth from damage—helping you feel better, look better, and live more comfortably.
At Orthodontics of Long Beach, we’re committed to helping you achieve a smile that works as good as it looks. Whether you’re seeking relief from jaw pain, improving your bite, or simply wanting a healthier smile, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Your jaw works hard every day, supporting your ability to eat, speak, and express yourself. When your bite is properly aligned, your jaw can function comfortably and efficiently — but misaligned teeth can put unnecessary stress on the joints and muscles, leading to pain, discomfort, and long-term problems. Taking steps to improve your bite not only enhances your smile but also protects your jaw health for years to come.
If you’re experiencing jaw discomfort, bite problems, or just want to learn more about how orthodontics can improve your oral health, we’d love to help. Contact Orthodontics of Long Beach today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier jaw and a confident smile.
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