Yes, braces can cause headaches.
The pressure from the braces on the teeth and the changes in the position of the teeth can cause discomfort, soreness, and headaches.
In addition, braces can also cause tension in the muscles of the jaw, leading to headaches
What Leads To Headaches After Getting Braces
There are several possible reasons why someone may experience headaches after getting braces.
These can include:
- Dental Adjustment: The process of getting braces involves the application of pressure on the teeth to gradually move them into their correct positions. This pressure can cause discomfort, soreness, and headaches as the teeth and surrounding tissues adjust to the new positioning.
- Muscle Strain: Braces can sometimes affect the muscles of the jaw, which can lead to muscle strain and tension headaches. The change in the bite alignment due to braces may cause the jaw muscles to work differently, leading to increased muscle tension and discomfort.
- Mouth and Lip Sores: Braces can cause irritation to the soft tissues of the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, and gums. These irritations can develop into sores, which can be painful and cause headaches.
- Jaw Joint Discomfort: Braces can also affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull. Changes in the bite and alignment of the teeth can put additional stress on the TMJ, leading to discomfort, jaw pain, and headaches.
- Bruxism: Bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching, can sometimes be triggered or exacerbated by braces. The pressure exerted by the braces on the teeth can lead to an increase in teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, which can result in headaches.
- Stress: The process of getting braces and adjusting to the changes in the mouth can be stressful for some individuals. Stress and anxiety can lead to tension headaches, which may be experienced after getting braces.
It’s important to consult with your orthodontist or dentist if you experience persistent headaches after getting braces.
What Are The Symptoms Of Headaches Caused By Braces?
Patients experiencing headaches caused by braces may also experience other related symptoms.
These symptoms may include tension headaches, migraines, jaw pain, facial pain, earaches, and ringing in the ears.
By understanding these symptoms, patients can better identify whether they are experiencing headaches related to their braces.
How To Alleviate Headaches Caused By Braces?
There are several ways patients can alleviate headaches caused by braces.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain.
- Applying an ice pack to the affected area can also help relieve discomfort.
- Jaw exercises and stress reduction techniques like deep breathing or meditation can also help alleviate pain.
It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit the orthodontist regularly during treatment to identify and address any issues that may be causing headaches.
Take away
Dental braces can potentially cause headaches due to pressure and tension on the teeth and jaws, changes in bite and alignment, and changes in jaw movement.
By understanding the symptoms and utilizing remedies, patients can alleviate any discomfort caused by braces.
It’s also essential to visit the orthodontist regularly and seek professional help if headaches persist.
If you are experiencing headaches during braces treatment, contact Every Smile Dentistry to schedule an appointment with our experienced orthodontists.
