ATYPICAL FACIAL PAIN

Atypical facial pain is a condition that does not have a precise definition nor cause. It manifests as intense pain in one side of the face and each person experiences it in a different way. The pain can last for hours or days, being described as dull, pulsing, crushing and stabbing. Although atypical facial pain is not considered as a disease and it is usually not related to any other conditions in other parts of the body, it can affect quality of life and wellbeing, with potential consequences for mood, behavior, sleep patterns, appetite, social and professional life.

Atypical facial pain can be linked to neurological and vascular conditions, though the most common cause seem to be bite issues and problems in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

THE LINK BETWEEN ATYPICAL FACIAL PAIN AND BITE ISSUES

The upper jaw is located in the front part of the skull. A balanced bite with proper teeth alignment maintains the whole chewing system balanced. On the other hand, an unbalanced bite (due to orthodontic problems, bite interferences, restorations, missing teeth, etc.) puts pressure on chewing muscles, on the jaw joint, on the skull bones and in the neck.

The sutures that connect the skull bones also get tight and the tension spreads through the membranes that cover the brain and the spine. This can affect the nerves and lead to pain, such as atypical facial pain, or to a myriad of other problems, such as headaches, migraines, posture problems, earaches, pain in the eye, neck, head or spine.

HOW MEDICAL ORTHODONTICS CAN HELP ALLEVIATE ATYPICAL FACIAL PAIN

Bite issues are constantly overlooked by both dentists and physicians. The interconnectedness of the jaws, skull and cervical spine is often ignored, reason why many people who suffer from chronic conditions in those areas without underlying diseases, such as atypical facial pain, often only get treatment for their symptoms and the condition never really gets better.

Medications, including painkillers, anti-inflammatories and antidepressants, can offer some relief for sufferers of atypical facial pain. However, they do not address the cause and are associated with several side effects. Around 200 common medications have headaches as a potential side effect.

CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY FOR A BETTER BITE AND BETTER JAW JOINT

In order to restore the balance of the bite and bring relief to the whole system of muscles, bones and nerves in the jaws, head and neck, it can be necessary to change the position of the teeth and the jaws. This can be done through the continuous use of clear plastic aligners, which are great for orthodontic treatment in adults.

These custom devices make bite correction much easier and comfortable through 3D printing technology. Teeth and jaws are slowly corrected while using discrete removable devices.

Learn more about how to correct you bite and how to improve chronic conditions through clear aligner therapy. Talk to your orthodontist.