Understanding Malocclusion, Jaw Pain, and TMJ in Loudoun County, VA

When your teeth do not meet properly, dentists call it a malocclusion or bite discrepancy. This can be minor or more significant, but even small issues can affect how your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles work together. Many people need orthodontic treatment at some point, which shows just how common bite discrepancies are.

For some, an uneven bite is more than a cosmetic concern. It can contribute to headaches, neck pain, jaw soreness, and even tooth sensitivity. When patients at Middleburg Smiles describe pain in their teeth, jaw muscles, or jaw joints, one of the first things we evaluate is how the bite fits together. Occlusion—the way your upper and lower teeth touch—is a core concept in dentistry and is studied in depth in dental school and advanced post‑doctoral programs.

How a bite problem can cause headaches and neck pain

Certain types of headaches and neck pain are linked to malocclusion. When teeth do not come together evenly, your jaw muscles may work overtime to guide the jaw into a more comfortable position. Over time, this overuse can fatigue the muscles and make them painful.

Because the muscles that control jaw movement extend over a large area of the head and neck, they can become common “trigger points” for tension headaches, facial pain, and discomfort around the temples or behind the eyes. If you regularly wake up with headaches, jaw tightness, or a sore face, it is worth asking your dentist whether your bite could be part of the problem.

Tooth pain, cracks, and excessive wear

A bite discrepancy can also cause tooth pain. When one or more teeth hit too hard or too early, the nerves inside those teeth can become irritated and hypersensitive. Long‑standing high spots in the bite can lead to microcracks, larger fractures, and accelerated wear on the enamel.

Over time, this extra stress may make teeth more likely to chip or break and can increase the need for restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns, onlays, or even implants. Addressing the bite early can help protect your natural teeth and reduce the risk of more complex treatment later.

TMJ pain and the jaw joint

Jaw pain can also arise from the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect your lower jaw to your skull on each side of your head, just in front of the ears. These joints are cushioned by a small piece of cartilage that helps the jaw move smoothly when you chew, speak, or yawn.

Trauma, long‑standing bite discrepancies, or clenching and grinding can strain the TMJ and surrounding muscles. This can lead to popping or clicking noises, soreness when chewing, limited opening, or pain that radiates into the face, head, or neck. In many patients, these symptoms are part of a broader pattern called temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD).

Treatment options for bite discrepancies

Large bite discrepancies are sometimes best treated with orthodontic therapy, such as braces or clear aligners, which gradually move the teeth into a healthier, more stable position. In certain complex cases, orthodontics may be combined with jaw surgery to correct the underlying alignment of the jaws.

Smaller discrepancies can often be improved with conservative bite adjustments, also called occlusal equilibration. In this approach, the dentist carefully reshapes very small areas of enamel so the teeth come together more evenly, reducing high spots and spreading chewing forces more comfortably across the bite.

How splints and night guards can help

Some bite and TMJ problems benefit from splint therapy. Splints—often referred to as night guards—are custom acrylic appliances that fit over the upper or lower teeth. When properly designed and adjusted, they help distribute bite forces more evenly, protect teeth and restorations from grinding, and support the muscles and joints so they can relax.

These appliances can be particularly helpful for:

• Acute jaw or muscle pain
• Ongoing TMJ discomfort
• Clenching or grinding that is wearing down teeth

Unlike over‑the‑counter mouthguards, a professionally made splint is customized to your bite and monitored over time, which is important for both comfort and long‑term joint health.

When to talk with a dentist

Proper diagnosis and treatment of bite discrepancies are important for long‑term comfort and oral health. If your dentist points out a concern with your bite—or if you are noticing headaches, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or clicking in your jaw—it is best to address it before pain or irreversible damage develops.

At Middleburg Smiles in Middleburg, VA, we evaluate your teeth, muscles, and jaw joints together to understand the full picture. Patients visit us from Middleburg, Aldie, Ashburn, Purcellville, Marshall, Leesburg, Philomont, and throughout Loudoun County for help with bite and TMJ concerns. If you suspect a bite discrepancy or are living with ongoing discomfort, contact our office to schedule a consultation and discuss the options that may be right for you.