Ever tried to enjoy a stacked burger from Gordon Ramsay Burger, only for your jaw to click like a broken slot machine? TMJ issues can turn everyday moments into frustrating struggles, making eating, talking, and even laughing a challenge. Hansen Miller Orthodontics, with Dr. Hansen, Dr. Miller, Dr. Benaloul, Dr. Wyatt, Dr. Jolley, and Dr. James, offers orthodontic solutions that may help ease your bite and function back to your jaw. Let’s take a look at what TMJ disorders are, why they happen, and how braces can help you with your TMJ issues!
What’s Really Going on with Your Jaw?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small but mighty hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It’s responsible for everything from chewing your favorite sushi at Soho Japanese Restaurant to shouting over the music at a packed Fremont Street concert. The effects can be hard to ignore when this joint isn’t working smoothly.
Common Signs of TMJ Issues:
- Clicking or Popping – That unsettling sound when you open your mouth wide.
- Jaw Soreness – Especially after chewing, talking for long periods, or waking up in the morning.
- Limited Movement – A tight, stiff feeling when opening or closing your mouth.
- Frequent Headaches or Earaches – Often mistaken for sinus pressure or migraines.
TMJ problems don’t always show up overnight. They can develop gradually, making it easy to brush off symptoms—until your jaw decides it’s had enough. Next, let’s break down what might be causing the issue.
What’s Behind All That Jaw Trouble?
TMJ issues rarely appear out of the blue — they’re usually the result of a combination of habits, genetics, and lifestyle factors. Dr. Hansen, Dr. Miller, Dr. Benaloul, Dr. Wyatt, Dr. Jolley, and Dr. James at Hansen Miller Orthodontics have seen exactly how these factors can gradually wear down the jaw’s natural balance. Here are some common causes of TMJ problems:
Bite Misalignment
When upper and lower teeth don’t come together quite right, the jaw works overtime to compensate.
Grinding and Clenching
Whether it’s stress from work or excitement from a Vegas Golden Knights playoff run, nighttime grinding can seriously strain the jaw.
Old Injuries
A fall at Red Rock Canyon or a bump from a weekend game at Sunset Park could leave lasting effects.
Joint or Muscle Issues
Sometimes it’s not the teeth at all, but how the jaw joint and surrounding muscles work together.
Figuring out what’s causing your TMJ trouble helps the team at Hansen Miller Orthodontics recommend the right treatment — and braces might just be part of the solution. Next, let’s take a closer look at how orthodontics could help ease the strain on your jaw.
Can Braces Help Calm Down a Stressed-Out Jaw?
Most people think of braces as the go-to fix for crooked teeth, but they can also help take some of the pressure off your jaw. The doctors at Hansen Miller Orthodontics often use braces to fine-tune the way your upper and lower teeth fit together — and that can make a big difference for your TMJ. When your bite fits more naturally, the jaw doesn’t have to overwork or shift awkwardly to chew, talk, or even yawn.
How Braces May Help
- Improved Bite Balance – Braces gradually move teeth into better positions, so the jaw can open and close without extra stress.
- Less Clenching & Grinding – When the bite feels comfortable, the urge to clench often fades, giving jaw muscles a much-needed break.
- Better Jaw Positioning – By adjusting how teeth meet, braces can also improve how the jaw sits at rest.
While braces aren’t a quick fix for every TMJ case, they can be an important piece of the puzzle — especially when paired with other treatments. Next, let’s explore what options are available to Las Vegas patients dealing with TMJ issues.
Braces, Aligners & More
Not every TMJ case follows the same script, which is why Hansen Miller Orthodontics offers several treatment options to help patients find the right fit. Dr. Hansen, Dr. Miller, Dr. Benaloul, Dr. Wyatt, Dr. Jolley, and Dr. James work with each patient to understand their symptoms, habits, and goals before recommending a plan that fits both their lifestyle and their smile. Here are some options that may help:
Metal Braces
A tried-and-true option that gradually moves teeth into better positions, which can help ease jaw strain caused by a misaligned bite.
Clear Braces
It offers the same benefits as metal braces but with brackets that blend in with your teeth for a more subtle look.
These removable clear aligners help adjust your bite with flexibility and discretion, making them a popular option for adults and teens alike.
The team at Hansen Miller Orthodontics makes sure your treatment plan is tailored to both your smile and your overall comfort. Next, let’s go beyond braces and explore other ways to help calm TMJ symptoms at home.
Simple Ways to Keep TMJ Symptoms in Check
While braces or aligners from Hansen Miller Orthodontics can help improve how your jaw functions, a few simple habits can make daily life easier. Dr. Hansen, Dr. Miller, Dr. Benaloul, Dr. Wyatt, Dr. Jolley, and Dr. James often recommend these easy, at-home strategies to help calm a stressed-out jaw:
- Stick to Soft Foods – Smoothies, soups, and tender proteins are gentler on your jaw than crunchy snacks.
- Apply Warm or Cold Compresses – Warm towels can ease muscle tension, while cold packs can calm soreness.
- Skip the Gum – Constant chewing can wear out your jaw, so give it a break.
- Manage Stress – Try yoga, meditation, or a walk at Sunset Park to ease tension that contributes to clenching.
Combining smart habits with personalized care from Hansen Miller Orthodontics can help keep your jaw feeling better for the long haul.
Leave the Jaw Drama Behind!
TMJ issues shouldn’t steal the spotlight from everything Las Vegas and Henderson have to offer! Hansen Miller Orthodontics, with Dr. Hansen, Dr. Miller, Dr. Benaloul, Dr. Wyatt, Dr. Jolley, and Dr. James, offers orthodontic solutions that can help your jaw work the way it’s meant to. Schedule a consultation at our Centennial Hills, Spring Valley, Green Valley, Sunrise, Paradise, or South Summerlin offices and find out how orthodontic treatment could help you chew, chat, and smile without the hassle!