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Here at Divine Smiles, we take a careful approach before any orthodontic treatment begins. Every patient is screened for TMD and sleep breathing disorders prior to starting Invisalign or braces. That’s because not everyone is a good candidate for aligners. In fact, we often see patients who had to discontinue Invisalign due to pain—people who tell us they wish their original dentist had taken the time to run proper diagnostics first. Had they started with us, many would have begun with TMJ or OSA therapy instead of aligners, saving themselves months of frustration, expense, and discomfort.
The good news? With the right diagnostics and supportive therapies, most of these challenges can be addressed. Our office offers advanced treatment options such as MLS laser therapy, TENS therapy, and Myofunctional Therapy to reduce muscle tension, improve airway function, and restore jaw comfort. This integrative approach means our patients don’t just get straighter teeth—they get care that supports both long-term oral health and overall wellness.
Your temporomandibular joints are small but powerful. Located just in front of your ears, they make it possible to talk, chew, yawn, and swallow. Each joint works with surrounding jaw muscles, ligaments, and teeth to keep your bite balanced and your jaw movement smooth.
When something interrupts this harmony—like misaligned teeth, grinding teeth, or a misaligned bite—the TMJ can become strained. That’s when temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or TMJ disorders develop. Symptoms may show up as jaw popping or clicking, stiffness or tension in the jaw, headaches, earaches, or facial soreness. Many people also notice that chewing becomes uncomfortable because their teeth don’t quite fit together, creating an uneven bite.
Now add in the natural changes that come with orthodontic treatment, and it becomes clear why your jaw might feel a little off while your upper and lower teeth are shifting.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners act by applying a steady, gentle force to shift teeth into healthier positions. Every one to two weeks, you switch to a new set of smooth plastic trays that continue the process of tooth movement. Over time, this improves bite alignment, creates a more balanced bite, and can reduce the stress that often contributes to TMJ issues.
As your teeth move, the way they fit together changes, and even a small adjustment in bite alignment can put new stress on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. This often leads to jaw tension or stiffness.
Another factor is overworked muscles. Your jaw muscles may have to put in extra effort to adapt to new positions, and that added workload can make them sore or fatigued. For people who already deal with teeth grinding or clenching, these habits can intensify the strain. Stress itself is also a contributor; when you’re adjusting to new aligners, it’s not unusual to find yourself clenching more often without realizing it.
It’s essential to bring it up to your dentist if your Invisalign is causing pain. While mild discomfort is expected, active pain should never be ignored. A thorough exam can help determine whether you’re a good candidate for aligners—or whether therapies such as TMJ treatment or OSA care should come first.
The first few weeks of Invisalign treatment are often the trickiest for your jaw. As your upper and lower teeth begin to shift, your bite won’t feel the same as it did before. This “in-between” stage can leave your jaw joints searching for balance, which sometimes leads to jaw tension, soreness, or a little extra clicking. Being patient with this adjustment period can make the process feel less stressful and remind you that these small changes are signs your aligners are doing their job.
So how do you know if what you’re feeling is related to the temporomandibular joint? Many patients describe jaw pain or soreness when chewing or speaking, along with clicking or popping sounds near the ears. Some notice their teeth no longer seem to fit together properly, a sign of bite misalignment. Others experience headaches, earaches, or facial soreness tied to jaw strain.
It’s also common to feel mild to moderate joint pain when switching to new trays. These are all typical TMJ symptoms that tend to resolve with time. But if pain becomes persistent or severe, it’s always best to check in with a dentist to rule out more serious TMJ problems.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to alleviate TMJ symptoms without interrupting your orthodontic journey. Beyond these home care strategies, specialized therapies available at our office—like MLS laser therapy for inflammation, TENS therapy for muscle relaxation, and Myofunctional Therapy to improve breathing and tongue posture—can help resolve discomfort at its root. This is the kind of comprehensive care you won’t find at high-volume, Invisalign-only clinics. Here are some of the most effective home remedies for TMJ:
Specific exercises can stretch tight muscles, increase flexibility, and support smoother jaw movement. These may include opening and closing the mouth slowly, moving the jaw side to side, or practicing small resistance exercises.
A warm compress relaxes tight jaw muscles, while a cold pack can soothe inflammation in the jaw joints. Alternating between heat and cold provides relief for many people.
During flare-ups, choose softer foods that don’t put as much pressure on the jaw. Soups, smoothies, eggs, and steamed vegetables can give your jaw a break.
Stress often makes people clench or grind, which can intensify TMJ discomfort. Practicing deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help relax the body and reduce jaw tension.
Working with a physical therapist trained in TMJ disorders can be valuable. Therapy often includes posture training, manual massage, and stretches that relieve muscle tension and improve jaw function.
Even while using Invisalign trays, some patients benefit from temporary appliances at night. These act as a protective barrier against teeth grinding, giving the jaw joints time to heal.
Be mindful of small habits that add stress to the jaw—like chewing gum, biting fingernails, or resting your chin in your hand. Breaking these habits can make a surprising difference in relieving pressure on the jaw.
Many people notice TMJ symptoms more at night, especially if they have a habit of grinding their teeth or clenching during sleep. While Invisalign aligners act like a thin protective barrier, they don’t always eliminate the pressure your muscles create when you clench. This can leave you waking up with jaw strain, facial soreness, or even headaches. Paying attention to your sleep habits—such as your pillow position, stress levels before bed, and whether you breathe through your nose or mouth—can go a long way in reducing nighttime TMJ discomfort. If mornings are consistently painful, that’s a good sign to check in with your provider about supportive options for overnight relief.
Mild discomfort is a common part of teeth straightening, but persistent or worsening pain is not something to ignore. If you experience severe pain, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, or significant changes in how your bite feels, it’s time to call a dentist immediately.
This is where the type of practice you choose makes a big difference. In a general dentistry practice, particularly a high-volume office, providers may not have the time or tools to properly screen for TMJ issues or sleep breathing disorders.
In contrast, here at Divine Smiles, we see fewer patients for longer visits, provide comprehensive diagnostic testing, and offer a multidisciplinary approach to care. Our patients benefit from the right therapy at the right time—not a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. It’s the difference between using only a hammer and having a full toolbelt: when you have more options, care is more precise and effective.
While it’s easy to focus on short-term soreness, it helps to remember the long-term benefits. Invisalign is about cosmetic dentistry and creating a straighter smile just as much as it’s about improving function. By correcting bite issues, reducing strain from an uneven bite, and supporting healthier jaw function, Invisalign can actually help prevent the types of TMJ problems that stem from misalignment.
Many people find that once their teeth are fully aligned, TMJ relief is one of the most noticeable benefits. The jaw no longer has to overcompensate for crooked teeth or poor alignment, leading to less strain and greater comfort.
A few small adjustments can make the Invisalign process easier on your jaw. Changing to new trays at night gives your mouth time to adjust while you sleep and helps reduce teeth grinding. Massaging sore spots in the cheeks or temples helps release tension. Staying hydrated supports muscle health and prevents cramping, while keeping a simple symptom journal makes it easier to track patterns and share them with your dentist if needed.
TMJ pain during Invisalign doesn’t always mean something is wrong. In most cases, it’s a temporary adjustment as your teeth and jaw settle into healthier positions. With strategies like jaw stretches, warm compresses, stress management, and professional support when needed, you can stay comfortable while working toward the smile you want.
In the end, the best outcomes come from choosing a practice like Divine Smiles that prioritizes both function and aesthetics, screens thoroughly before treatment, and uses a multidisciplinary approach to care. Jaw pain during Invisalign can be temporary, and Invisalign can be transformative—not just for your smile, but for your long-term jaw health—when managed with the right expertise.
Dr. Ryan Clancy and every member of our team are here to help guide you to your healthiest, most confident smile. Take the first step by scheduling a full assessment of your concerns, and begin designing your ideal smile and personalized treatment plan.