TMJ & Sleep Therapy Pittsburgh
Jaw clicking after orthodontics? Braces and aligners help create a confident, healthy smile. But what if—after all the time and investment—your jaw still clicks or pops when you chew or yawn?
If you’re experiencing jaw clicking after orthodontics, you’re not alone. Many Pittsburgh patients notice these symptoms after braces or clear aligners—and fortunately, there are highly effective nonsurgical treatments available right here.
Learn more about TMJ disorder care
Why Is Your Jaw Clicking After Orthodontics?
During orthodontic treatment, teeth, muscles, and joints must adapt to new positions. Sometimes this reveals a pre-existing issue with the TMJ disc—the soft cushion that keeps the lower jaw moving smoothly. This can cause jaw clicking.
- Clicking or popping sounds in the joint
- Morning stiffness or soreness
- The bite doesn’t feel stable
- Occasional catching or restricted opening
When Should Jaw Clicking After Orthodontics Be Evaluated? –
- Clicking lasts more than 3–6 months
- Pain begins or worsens
- Jaw feels unstable or locks
- Symptoms increase over time
- Nighttime clenching or grinding
Conservative, Nonsurgical TMJ Care
- PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) injections to reduce inflammation and support healing
- Custom TMJ orthotics to protect the joint and improve comfort
- Airway-guided bruxism management
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) Injections
Your own growth factors help:
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Reduce inflammation
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Improve joint lubrication
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Support disc and ligament healing
Custom TMJ Orthotics
Helps:
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Reduce joint stress
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Protect against nighttime clenching
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Maintain a stable bite after ortho
- Preserve TMJ joint stability and function
These therapies protect the investment you’ve already made in orthodontics.
🡆 Read more about orofacial pain in young patients: /orofacial-pain-treatment/
Why It Matters
Many patients dismiss clicking because it isn’t always painful. However…
If the joint is clicking, it’s usually under strain.
Without care, patients may develop:
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Recurrent flare-ups
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Persistent muscle tension
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Early joint degeneration
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Locking episodes later in life
Early intervention helps prevent long-term pain.
We Work With Your Teen’s Orthodontist
We support—never undo—your orthodontist’s great work.
Our goal is a smile that looks good and feels good.
Schedule Today
TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Pittsburgh • 1110 Fayette Ave, Belle Vernon, PA 15012 • 724-929-4470
Our affiliation with TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre International allows us to incorporate proven, global treatment protocols into our care. Providers throughout this network often continue their education through the Centre’s intensive TMJ & Sleep Mini Residency program, enhancing their expertise in treating TMJ disorders and sleep-related conditions.