Clear aligners and jaw pain: what's the connection?

Clear aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment for straightening teeth, but some patients may experience jaw pain during the treatment process. While this can be concerning, it's important to understand the connection between clear aligners and jaw pain.

Clear aligners work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to shift teeth into their desired position. This pressure can also affect the jaw muscles and joints, especially during the first few days of wearing a new aligner. Some patients may experience discomfort or even jaw pain during this initial adjustment period.

In most cases, this discomfort is temporary and should subside after a few days as your jaw and muscles adapt to the aligner. It's important to follow your orthodontist's instructions and wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time each day to ensure that your treatment stays on track.

However, if the jaw pain persists or becomes more severe, it's important to speak with your orthodontist. They may recommend adjustments to your aligner or suggest additional treatment options, such as physical therapy or pain management techniques.

In summary, some patients may experience jaw pain during clear aligner treatment due to the pressure that aligners place on the teeth and surrounding jaw muscles and joints. While discomfort is normal, severe or persistent jaw pain should be addressed by your orthodontist to ensure that your treatment is progressing as it should.