Braces, Pain, and Headaches:
Understanding the Connection and How to Find Relief
Getting braces is a significant step toward achieving a straighter smile, but it’s important to understand the impact this orthodontic treatment can have on your overall health. Braces work by applying pressure to move and align your teeth, but this pressure doesn’t just affect your teeth—it also influences the bones of your face and cranium. If these bones aren’t able to move and adapt to the forces applied by the braces, you may experience pain, headaches, jaw tension, and other uncomfortable symptoms. At PhysioActive, we understand the complexities of this process and offer holistic treatments to help you achieve both dental and craniofacial health.
How Braces Affect Your Cranial Structure
Braces are designed to gradually move your teeth into their desired position, but this movement requires the bones of your face and cranium to adapt as well. Your teeth are anchored in the jawbone, and as they shift, the forces from this movement are transmitted through the cranial bones. Ideally, these bones are mobile enough to absorb and dissipate the forces smoothly, but if there is any restriction in the cranial bones, this can lead to problems.
- Cranial Bone Mobility: The bones of your face and head are not rigid structures; they have subtle movements that are essential for proper function. When braces apply pressure to move your teeth, the cranial bones must move in response. If there are restrictions in these bones—whether due to previous injuries, tension, or congenital factors—the forces from the braces can cause pain and discomfort.
- Impact on Cranial Nerves: The cranial nerves, which control sensation and movement in the face, are closely associated with the cranial bones. When braces exert pressure on these bones, it can irritate or compress the cranial nerves, leading to symptoms such as headaches, eye aches, and facial pain. This nerve irritation can also contribute to altered posture and jaw tension, as the body attempts to compensate for the discomfort.
- Forces and Facial Symmetry: As the braces move your teeth, the resulting forces should ideally be balanced and evenly distributed. However, if the cranial bones are restricted, this balance can be disrupted, leading to facial asymmetry, jaw misalignment, and even the risk of your teeth shifting back after the braces are removed.
Why Cranial Mobility Is Essential for Successful Orthodontic Treatment
For braces to work effectively without causing pain or long-term dysfunction, the bones of your face and cranium must be able to move and adapt. If there is a restriction in these bones, the pressure from the braces can result in symptoms that go beyond the mouth.
- Headaches and Eye Aches: Pressure on the cranial bones and nerves can lead to tension headaches, migraines, and pain around the eyes. These symptoms can occur because the forces applied by the braces are not being properly dissipated through the cranial structure.
- Jaw Tension and TMJ Dysfunction: The jaw, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is particularly vulnerable to the effects of cranial restrictions. When the cranial bones cannot move freely, it can lead to increased tension in the TMJ, causing pain, clicking, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
- Postural Changes: The relationship between the head, neck, and spine is intricately connected. Alterations in cranial mobility can affect the alignment of the upper neck and spine, leading to changes in posture and associated discomfort.
How PhysioActive Can Help
At PhysioActive, we work closely with holistic and cranial orthodontists to provide a comprehensive approach to orthodontic care that supports both dental and overall health. Our treatments aim to ensure that the forces applied by braces are effectively managed, reducing the risk of pain and dysfunction.
- Cranial Therapy: Cranial therapy involves gentle manipulation of the cranial bones to release restrictions and improve mobility. This therapy helps ensure that the forces from the braces are evenly distributed, reducing the likelihood of headaches, jaw tension, and other symptoms.
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help address any muscle tension or postural changes that result from cranial restrictions. Through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and postural retraining, we can improve alignment and reduce the strain on the jaw and neck.
- Holistic Orthodontics: We collaborate with orthodontists who understand the importance of cranial mobility and overall facial symmetry in achieving long-lasting orthodontic results. This integrative approach helps prevent teeth from shifting back after braces and ensures a more comfortable, effective treatment process.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from braces, or if you’re concerned about the long-term effects of orthodontic treatment, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our holistic approach to orthodontic care and how we can support your journey to a healthier, pain-free smile.
