TMJ and braces: can braces cause or fix TMD?

Page updated October 22, 2026.

Braces don't cause TMJ disorders, and they aren't a proven way to treat them. The U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) says research doesn't support the belief that a bad bite or orthodontic treatment causes TMD, and lists orthodontic treatment among the options that don't help TMD and can make it worse (NIDCR). Here is what TMD is, what happens to the jaw during braces, what actually helps jaw pain, and what to ask before treatment.

What TMD (TMJ disorder) is

The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull. TMDs are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that move the jaw (NIDCR). People often say "TMJ" for the condition, though strictly that's the joint itself. TMD affects about 5% of adults in the US, and it's twice as common in women as in men, especially women aged 35 to 44 (NIDCR).

The most common symptom is pain in the chewing muscles or jaw joint. Others include pain spreading to the face or neck, a stiff jaw, limited movement or locking, painful clicking or grating, ringing in the ears, dizziness and changes in how the teeth fit together (NIDCR). Clicking or popping without pain is considered normal and doesn't need treatment (NIDCR). Symptoms often come and go on their own, though some become long-term (NIDCR).

Can braces cause TMJ problems?

The research says no. NIDCR states that research does not support the belief that a bad bite or orthodontic treatment such as braces causes TMDs (NIDCR). A 2023 review in Cureus describes conventional orthodontic treatment as neutral toward the jaw joint and TMD (Cureus review). Injury to the joint can lead to some TMDs, but in most cases the exact cause isn't clear; genes, stress and how a person processes pain may all play a part (NIDCR).

Some patient sources list TMJ disorder among the possible long-term effects of an untreated bite problem such as overjet (Cleveland Clinic). That isn't what the federal research summary concludes, so treat a promise that braces will prevent TMD with caution.

Jaw soreness during treatment

Feeling some jaw or muscle soreness in braces is different from developing TMD. The Cureus review notes that more patients report muscle soreness on waking after about a month of treatment, but that it passes and returns to normal over time (Cureus review). Teeth are also tender after braces go on and after adjustments, usually most in the first 24 to 48 hours (AAO); see do braces hurt.

With clear aligners, the same review reports that chewing muscle activity can increase, and minor, brief jaw soreness may occur, though participants in the studies it cites didn't develop overt TMD symptoms (Cureus review). The authors advise caution with aligners for patients prone to jaw muscle soreness (Cureus review). If pain is severe or keeps getting worse, tell your orthodontist; the review says active treatment is typically paused until pain is controlled (Cureus review).

Can braces fix TMJ?

Not as a treatment for TMD. NIDCR groups orthodontics with other "occlusal" treatments, such as placing crowns or grinding down teeth, that aim to change the bite, and says there is insufficient evidence they help TMD and that in some cases they make it worse (NIDCR). Its treatment summary says these do not help TMDs and can make the problem worse (NIDCR). The Cureus review likewise finds no scientific basis for preventing or treating TMD by pursuing an "ideal" bite (Cureus review).

That doesn't mean someone with TMD can't have braces. Braces still fix crooked teeth and bite problems (AAO); the point is not to expect them to cure jaw pain. Be wary of any provider who recommends an expensive, permanent bite change as the cure for TMD.

What does help TMD

NIDCR recommends starting with the simplest, reversible treatments and avoiding those that permanently change the jaw joints, teeth or bite (NIDCR). Its stepped summary (NIDCR):

Source: NIDCR, 2024. This is general information, not medical advice.

Splints and night guards don't change the teeth or bite, but there isn't much evidence on whether they relieve TMD pain, and NIDCR says to avoid any splint designed to permanently change your bite (NIDCR). Before any irreversible treatment, it suggests a second opinion from an orofacial pain specialist (NIDCR).

If you have jaw pain and want braces

Tell the orthodontist about any jaw pain, clicking or locking at the first visit. The Cureus review recommends a routine TMD assessment before orthodontic treatment, starting with a full history and an examination of pain and jaw function (Cureus review). Questions worth asking:

• Do you see signs of TMD, and should it be treated before braces start?
• Would braces or aligners suit my jaw better, given any muscle soreness?
• What happens if jaw pain flares during treatment?

Many orthodontists offer the first consultation free (AAO); see free orthodontic consultations. Mewing, the social media tongue-posture trend, can itself contribute to TMJ pain, according to the AAO (AAO); see does mewing work.