Jaw pain has a way of taking over a day. It can show up as a dull ache along the jawline, a clicking that interrupts a yawn, a headache that won’t quit, or a tooth that feels oddly high when you bite. People in Calgary often connect it to stress or a bad night’s sleep, then realize the discomfort returns with every meeting, every run on the Bow River pathway, every coffee they sip on Stephen Avenue. When the soreness lingers, the question comes up: is the bite part of the problem, and can an orthodontist help?
This is where orthodontics and the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, intersect. The TMJ is a small, powerful hinge where your lower jaw meets the skull. It moves up and down, side to side, and forward and back to let you talk, chew, and yawn. When it gets irritated, the symptoms can confuse people. Ear pain that isn’t an ear infection. A toothache without a cavity. Headaches near the temples. Neck stiffness at the end of the workday. Because symptoms vary, figuring out whether teeth, muscles, or the joint itself are driving the issue takes some detective work.
What “TMJ” Usually Means And Why Words Matter
Strictly speaking, everyone has TMJs, because that is the joint’s name. In conversation, people say “TMJ” when they mean jaw joint trouble. Dentists will often say TMD, short for temporomandibular disorder. Labels matter less than a clear picture of what is going on. The core questions are straightforward: what tissues are irritated, what triggers symptoms, and what would reduce mechanical stress on the system?
An orthodontist approaches those questions through the lens of how your teeth meet, how your jaw tracks through its movements, and how the bite relates to the muscles and joint disc. That does not mean every case of jaw pain is a bite problem. It means bite mechanics are part of the assessment, especially if you have a history of orthodontic concerns, crowding, deep bite, or a crossbite that makes one side carry more load than the other.
Calgary’s Pattern: What We See In Clinic
A Calgary orthodontist hears familiar stories because life here has its rhythms. Many patients grind their teeth more during long winters and busy work cycles. Skiers and hockey players show up after a jaw jolt on the hill or in a game. Office workers mention that jaw tightness grows on days with lots of Zoom calls. We also see a fair number of adults who had braces as teens, then mild relapse shifted the bite back just enough to create interference. For some, that extra millimeter is the spark.
Other patterns stand out. People with seasonal allergies often breathe through their mouths at night, which can change tongue posture and jaw position. That carries forward into how the upper arch develops in kids and how stable the bite is in adults. Calgary’s dry climate can make clenching worse for some because dehydration affects muscle performance and joint lubrication. None of these factors alone explain a painful jaw, but together they tilt the odds.
Anatomy You Can Feel
If you place your fingers just in front of your ears and open wide, you can feel the TMJs move. Inside the joint is a cartilage disc that helps the ball of the lower jaw glide smoothly. Surrounding the joint are muscles like the masseter and temporalis, which do the heavy lifting while you chew, and https://familybraces.ca/the-orthodontics-process/ the lateral pterygoid, which helps guide the disc. When the disc is inflamed or displaced, you might hear clicks or feel a catch. When the muscles are tense or overworked, they develop trigger points that refer pain to teeth, ears, or temples. When the bite does not let the jaw settle comfortably, the system compensates. Over time, compensation becomes strain.
When Bite Matters, And When It Does Not
Some jaw pain has little to do with teeth. Acute stress bruxism, arthritis in the joint, a recent injury, even a habit like chewing ice can spark symptoms regardless of how perfect your occlusion looks. For those cases, urgent orthodontic changes would not be the first move.
On the other hand, there are bite patterns that commonly correlate with TMJ and muscle complaints:
- A deep overbite where the upper front teeth cover too much of the lowers. This pushes the jaw backward and can load the joint unevenly. A unilateral crossbite, especially in the back teeth. This forces one joint to sit higher and rotate differently, often creating asymmetry in muscle use. An edge-to-edge anterior bite. Teeth hitting end to end can provoke chipping and encourage clenching to find stability. Posterior interferences where one or two teeth hit before the others. That single high spot can trigger a protective muscle response.
These are not automatic culprits, yet they are common threads. An experienced orthodontist looks for them while also checking range of motion, joint sounds, and muscle tenderness.
How The Assessment Works
A thoughtful exam sets the tone. A Calgary orthodontist will usually start with a detailed history: when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, whether you have morning tightness, headaches, ear fullness, or clicking. We ask about injuries, dental work that preceded symptoms, and habits like gum chewing or nail biting. We also look at posture because a forward head position, common with laptop use, changes how the jaw hangs.
Clinical steps typically include measuring how wide you can open, listening and feeling for joint noises, palpating the muscles, and screening the bite with articulating paper to see where the first points of contact occur. Digital scans of your teeth provide a 3D model to assess how the arches relate. Depending on findings, we might order a CBCT scan to evaluate joint spaces or a lateral ceph to understand skeletal relationships. If symptoms suggest a primary joint issue, we often coordinate with a dentist who focuses on TMD, a physiotherapist, or a maxillofacial radiologist.
The goal is to learn, not to rush. Some cases benefit from a short period of conservative care before we move teeth. It is common to stabilize the joint with a professionally made night guard, reduce triggers, and watch the pattern over four to eight weeks. That baseline lets us see how much improvement comes from muscle rest alone.
Braces, Invisalign, And Splints: What Helps What
People often ask whether dental braces or Invisalign will fix TMJ problems. The honest answer is that orthodontic treatment can help if a misaligned bite is part of the problem, but braces and aligners are not pain medications. They are tools to move teeth and reshape how your jaw closes.
Calgary invisalign treatments can be tailored to open a deep bite, correct crossbites with elastics, and refine posterior contacts for more even loading. Aligners have the side benefit of acting like a thin splint while you wear them, which some patients find soothing. They reduce direct tooth-to-tooth contact and can discourage daytime clenching. That said, aligners require good compliance. If you only wear them part-time, bite correction slows, and symptom improvement may stall.
Traditional dental braces let us control tooth movement in three dimensions and are often efficient for complex bite changes. They give excellent grip for intruding front teeth in deep bite cases or derotating molars that lock a bite into a crossbite. For patients with a history of grinding through retainers or aligners, braces are more durable. They also avoid the salivary dryness some adults notice with aligners.
Night guards and bite splints play a different role. A flat-plane stabilization splint, typically worn at night, gives the jaw a neutral surface to close against and reduces muscle activity for many patients. It does not move teeth but can calm the system so we can assess bite mechanics without the noise of clenching. For certain disc issues, a more specialized appliance may be needed, which is where collaboration with a TMD-focused dentist matters.
What Improvement Looks Like On A Timeline
Expect gradual change. With conservative measures like a night guard, heat therapy, and habit tweaks, many people notice decreased morning soreness within two to three weeks. Headaches often reduce next. Clicking may persist longer. If we proceed with orthodontic correction, symptom relief usually tracks with the key bite change. For a deep bite, patients often feel less pressure as the front teeth intrude and the jaw can posture forward slightly. In crossbite cases, relief comes after the bite unlocks and the contacts equalize.
In straightforward cases, a focused orthodontic plan might run 6 to 12 months. More comprehensive cases extend to 18 to 24 months, especially if extractions, expansion, or significant crowding are involved. We plan check-ins around symptom milestones, not just wire changes or aligner swaps. The working question at each visit is whether your system feels calmer and whether the mechanical changes match that.
A Few Real-World Examples
A downtown project manager came in with right-sided jaw pain and morning headaches. Her bite looked almost perfect, except for a tall filling on a lower molar. She had started clenching during a big deadline push. We gently adjusted the filling with her general dentist, made a thin night guard, and coached her on posture and jaw rest. Within a month, the headaches faded. No orthodontic movement was needed.
A goalie from a local rec league had a left posterior crossbite with a noticeable shift into that side when closing. He also had a history of a jaw hit during a game. He wanted clear aligners. We used Invisalign with cross-elastics and a short course of physiotherapy to loosen a tight lateral pterygoid. By month five, the bite unlocked, and his jaw stopped clicking. He wore his elastics religiously, which made the difference.
A teacher in her 40s had a deep overbite and worn edges on the front teeth. She woke with sore temples and felt her jaw seat too far back. We discussed options and chose braces to intrude the upper incisors and level the lower arch. We paired that with a nighttime splint for the first six weeks to settle her muscles. Around month three, her jaw felt freer, and her headaches cut in half. By the end, her bite was more open, and she maintained with a bonded lower retainer and a thin upper retainer.
The Stress Connection That Everyone Feels But Few Quantify
Stress feeds jaw problems, not just through clenching but through small body patterns. Shoulders creep toward ears. Breathing becomes shallow. Tongue posture drops. These tiny changes alter how the jaw hangs and closes. In Calgary, winters can accentuate this as people hunch against the cold and spend more time indoors. A realistic plan accounts for that. We often teach a simple jaw rest position: lips together, teeth apart, tongue lightly against the palate. Ten seconds, several times a day, trains a different default.
Hydration matters, too. The TMJ is a synovial joint, and the disc glides more comfortably when you are not mildly dehydrated. If your only fluids are coffee and the occasional evening beer, your muscles will tell you.
How To Think About Risks And Trade-offs
Every intervention has pros and cons. Braces and aligners move teeth predictably, but movement is slow by design, and teeth can be tender during active phases. Aligners rely on perfect wear. Braces require careful hygiene to avoid inflamed gums. Bite splints protect teeth and calm muscles, yet long-term use without monitoring can shift teeth slightly or mask a bite problem that would benefit from correction.
It is also worth acknowledging that not all TMJ issues resolve completely. If the joint disc is permanently displaced or the joint has arthritic changes, the aim becomes comfort and function rather than silence and perfection. Even then, a well-balanced bite reduces the daily load on the system.
Kids, Teens, And Growth Windows
For children and teens, timing can help. Crossbites are best corrected early, often between ages 7 and 12, to prevent a functional jaw shift from becoming skeletal asymmetry. A deep bite in a growing teen may respond faster because we can use growth-friendly mechanics. Early expansion of a constricted upper arch can improve not just bite contact but also nasal airflow in some cases, which in turn can reduce mouth breathing and relieve muscle tension. Parents often notice fewer complaints about jaw tiredness once the bite unlocks.
When To Call, And What To Expect At A Calgary Orthodontist
If your jaw pain has persisted beyond a few weeks, if you have clicking that started after a bite changed, if you wake with sore teeth, or if one side of your bite always hits first, it is worth an evaluation. A Calgary orthodontist will review your occlusion and discuss whether orthodontic treatment, a night guard, or coordinated care is the best next step. If you prefer clear aligners, ask specifically whether your case is suited to Calgary Invisalign treatment or whether braces would give you a cleaner outcome for your bite goals. Most of the time, there is a path that fits both lifestyle and biology.
Expect a plan with stages. Calm the system. Adjust what is quick to fix, like high spots. Choose the orthodontic approach that best addresses the bite mechanics. Monitor symptoms as changes take hold. Protect the result with retainers and habits that keep the joint happy.
Practical Habits That Support Treatment
Small daily actions make the professional work stick. Here is a short checklist we give patients:
- Keep teeth apart unless you are eating. The rest position is lips together, teeth apart, tongue on the roof of your mouth. Alternate heat and gentle stretching for tight jaw muscles in the evening, especially during aligner or wire changes. Limit very chewy foods while the joint calms down. Think tender proteins and cooked vegetables over tough jerky or taffy. Sip water consistently throughout the day. Aim for clear urine by mid-afternoon. Watch postural triggers. Raise your screen to eye level, and avoid cradling the phone between ear and shoulder.
These are simple, but they add up. Patients who make these habits automatic often need fewer adjustments and report steadier progress.
What Success Looks Like Over The Long Term
A successful outcome does not mean you never feel your jaw again. It means the joint and muscles go quiet in daily life, that difficult days are rare and manageable, and that your bite feels even, not precarious. Teeth do not chip as easily. Meals are more comfortable. Mornings start without clenching hangovers. The retainer goes in smoothly, and the contacts feel familiar.
Maintenance is not complicated. Wear the retainers as directed. Keep a night guard handy for high-stress stretches. Check in every so often if something feels off. If you grind through a guard in a short time, tell your provider. That is data we can act on.
A Calgary Note On Access And Coordination
In the city, collaboration works in your favor. Many clinics share digital scans and imaging quickly, so you can see a general dentist for a splint, an orthodontist for bite alignment, and a physiotherapist for muscle rehab without repeating the same story three times. If you prefer a single point of contact, look for a practice that manages both Invisalign and braces in-house and has trusted partners for TMD appliances and imaging. The best care plans feel coordinated, not pieced together.
Final Thoughts From The Chair
Jaw pain is frustrating because it blurs lines. Teeth, muscles, and joints all speak at once. The path forward becomes clearer when each part is tested and respected in the plan. Orthodontics can be a powerful lever when the bite plays a role, especially for deep bites, crossbites, and uneven posterior contacts. Aligners and braces both have a place, and the right choice comes down to your specific mechanics and your willingness to partner in the process.
If your jaw has been complaining, do not wait for a perfect moment. A calm, thorough assessment now can spare you months of guessing. Whether the answer is a small adjustment, a night guard, Calgary Invisalign treatment, or a focused phase with dental braces, relief tends to come to those who commit to a clear plan and the daily habits that support it. Your jaw does a lot for you every hour of every day. Give it a bite that makes that work easier.
6 Calgary Locations)
Business Name: Family Braces
Website: https://familybraces.ca
Email: [email protected]
Phone (Main): (403) 202-9220
Fax: (403) 202-9227
Hours (General Inquiries):
Monday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Locations (6 Clinics Across Calgary, AB):
NW Calgary (Beacon Hill): 11820 Sarcee Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3R 0A1 — Tel: (403) 234-6006
NE Calgary (Deerfoot City): 901 64 Ave NE, Suite #4182, Calgary, AB T2E 7P4 — Tel: (403) 234-6008
SW Calgary (Shawnessy): 303 Shawville Blvd SE #500, Calgary, AB T2Y 3W6 — Tel: (403) 234-6007
SE Calgary (McKenzie): 89, 4307-130th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 3V8 — Tel: (403) 234-6009
West Calgary (Westhills): 470B Stewart Green SW, Calgary, AB T3H 3C8 — Tel: (403) 234-6004
East Calgary (East Hills): 165 East Hills Boulevard SE, Calgary, AB T2A 6Z8 — Tel: (403) 234-6005
Google Maps:
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SW (Shawnessy): View on Google Maps
SE (McKenzie): View on Google Maps
West (Westhills): View on Google Maps
East (East Hills): View on Google Maps
Maps (6 Locations):
NW (Beacon Hill)
NE (Deerfoot City)
SW (Shawnessy)
SE (McKenzie)
West (Westhills)
East (East Hills)
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Family Braces is a Calgary, Alberta orthodontic brand that provides braces and Invisalign through six clinics across the city and can be reached at (403) 202-9220.
Family Braces offers orthodontic services such as Invisalign, traditional braces, clear braces, retainers, and early phase one treatment options for kids and teens in Calgary.
Family Braces operates in multiple Calgary areas including NW (Beacon Hill), NE (Deerfoot City), SW (Shawnessy), SE (McKenzie), West (Westhills), and East (East Hills) to make orthodontic care more accessible across the city.
Family Braces has a primary clinic location at 11820 Sarcee Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3R 0A1 and also serves patients from additional Calgary shopping-centre-based clinics across other quadrants.
Family Braces provides free consultation appointments for patients who want to explore braces or Invisalign options before starting treatment.
Family Braces supports flexible payment approaches and financing options, and patients should confirm current pricing details directly with the clinic team.
Family Braces can be contacted by email at [email protected] for general questions and scheduling support.
Family Braces maintains six public clinic listings on Google Maps.
Popular Questions About Family Braces
What does Family Braces specialize in?
Family Braces focuses on orthodontic care in Calgary, including braces and Invisalign-style clear aligner treatment options. Treatment recommendations can vary based on an exam and records, so it’s best to book a consultation to confirm what’s right for your situation.
How many locations does Family Braces have in Calgary?
Family Braces has six clinic locations across Calgary (NW, NE, SW, SE, West, and East), designed to make appointments more convenient across different parts of the city.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist at Family Braces?
Family Braces generally promotes a no-referral-needed approach for getting started. If you have a dentist or healthcare provider, you can still share relevant records, but most people can begin by booking directly.
What orthodontic treatment options are available?
Depending on your needs, Family Braces may offer options like metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, retainers, and early orthodontic treatment for children. Your consultation is typically the best way to compare options for comfort, timeline, and budget.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
Orthodontic timelines vary by case complexity, bite correction needs, and how consistently appliances are worn (for aligners). Many treatments commonly take months to a couple of years, but your plan may be shorter or longer.
Does Family Braces offer financing or payment plans?
Family Braces markets payment plan options and financing approaches. Because terms can change, it’s smart to ask during your consultation for the most current monthly payment options and what’s included in the total fee.
Are there options for kids and teens?
Yes, Family Braces offers orthodontic care for children and teens, including early phase one treatment options (when appropriate) and full treatment planning once more permanent teeth are in.
How do I contact Family Braces to book an appointment?
Call +1 (403) 202-9220 or email [email protected] to ask about booking. Website: https://familybraces.ca
Social: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube.
Landmarks Near Calgary, Alberta
Family Braces is proud to serve the Beacon Hill (NW Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for orthodontist services in Beacon Hill (NW Calgary), visit Family Braces near Beacon Hill Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the NW Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign options for many ages. If you’re looking for braces in NW Calgary, visit Family Braces near Costco (Beacon Hill area).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Deerfoot City (NE Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Deerfoot City (NE Calgary), visit Family Braces near Deerfoot City Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the NE Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in NE Calgary, visit Family Braces near The Rec Room (Deerfoot City).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Shawnessy (SW Calgary) community and provides orthodontic services including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for braces in Shawnessy (SW Calgary), visit Family Braces near Shawnessy Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the SW Calgary community and offers Invisalign and braces consultations. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in SW Calgary, visit Family Braces near Shawnessy LRT Station.
Family Braces is proud to serve the McKenzie area (SE Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for braces in SE Calgary, visit Family Braces near McKenzie Shopping Center.
Family Braces is proud to serve the SE Calgary community and offers orthodontic consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in SE Calgary, visit Family Braces near Staples (130th Ave SE area).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Westhills (West Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in West Calgary, visit Family Braces near Westhills Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the West Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for braces in West Calgary, visit Family Braces near Cineplex (Westhills).
Family Braces is proud to serve the East Hills (East Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in East Calgary, visit Family Braces near East Hills Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the East Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in East Calgary, visit Family Braces near Costco (East Hills).