Have you ever wondered if the way your teeth come together might be affecting how you carry yourself? Many people don’t realize that jaw alignment can influence everything from neck stiffness to tension in the upper and lower back. 

When the jaw isn’t positioned well, it can create strain in surrounding muscles and joints—leading to ongoing pain. This is where neuromuscular dentistry comes in. By focusing on proper jaw placement it helps your entire body feel more at ease. In this article, we’ll look at the link between your bite and posture and how addressing jaw alignment may relieve daily discomfort.

How Jaw Alignment Affects Your Posture

We know what you’re thinking—how can the alignment of your jaw impact your posture? The position of your jaw has nothing to do with how you sit, stand, or carry yourself—right? Wrong. 

The jaw, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), connects with muscles that extend along the neck and upper body, forming a chain that influences your body’s alignment. When the bite is off, it causes the muscles to work harder to hold the jaw in a stable position. That strain doesn’t remain in the face; it can move through the neck, shoulders, and upper back. 

Studies show that individuals with back pain report discomfort in the jaw, face, and head more often than those without back issues. In one study, 55% of the cases reported frequent headaches, compared to 8% among the controls. These findings indicate that an imbalanced bite can place stress on multiple muscles, potentially affecting posture in the process. 

By correcting the source in the jaw, you may find relief throughout the body, including the neck and back, ultimately helping you feel more comfortable every day.

Signs Your Bite May Be Affecting Your Posture

It’s important to recognize that back pain and poor posture can be due to other reasons as well. Trauma and bad habits can also be pretty big culprits. So, how do you know if it is actually your jaw and bite that is causing the problem and contributing to that poor posture?

Here are some big indicators. 

• Chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, or back
• Uneven posture or difficulty maintaining balance
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Pain or tension in the jaw area
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Teeth grinding or clenching (especially noticeable at night)
• Worn or flattened biting surfaces on teeth
• Discomfort or fatigue in the facial muscles after chewing

How Neuromuscular Dentistry Can Help

Neuromuscular dentistry views teeth, muscles (including their associated nerves), and the joint as an interconnected system. Rather than concentrating on just the teeth or the jaw alone, this approach looks at how each component interacts to influence overall function. By focusing on all three areas, dental professionals aim to maintain the health of the masticatory system, while also anticipating how treatment decisions may affect long-term outcomes.

Several techniques are used to evaluate and adjust jaw positioning. Diagnostic methods might include electromyography (EMG) to measure muscle activity, sonography to detect any irregularities within the joint, and bite-force analysis to spot imbalances in your bite. Based on the findings, treatments can range from custom orthotics (specialized mouthpieces that help place the jaw in a more comfortable position) to minor dental adjustments that reshape or modify biting surfaces. In some cases, physical therapy is introduced to support muscle relaxation and promote better alignment.

By evaluating the relationships among teeth, muscles, and joints, neuromuscular dentistry provides a route to correct underlying issues that may contribute to chronic discomfort. Custom orthotics, dental modifications, and targeted therapies work together to ease tension on the joint, giving you a more balanced bite and potentially reducing pain throughout the body.

Achieve Balance and Comfort Through Neuromuscular Dentistry

Here’s the question that might be lingering in your mind—do all dentists practice neuromuscular dentistry? The answer, unfortunately, is no. And, among those who practice it, not all have gone through the extensive training that it takes to be a neuromuscular dentist. Thankfully, your Berrien Springs dentist has. We’re here to help you with bite alignment to help reduce your jaw and neck pain.

Here’s a quick summary of how we do it

• Comprehensive bite evaluation: Specialized measurements and imaging help identify any misalignment, muscle tension, or stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
• TENS therapy: A device delivers gentle electrical stimulation to relax muscles, allowing the jaw to settle into a more natural position.
• Custom orthotics (mouth guards): Created to reposition the jaw, these appliances help relieve pressure on the TMJ, easing strain on surrounding muscles.
• Orthodontic adjustments or restorative work: In some cases, braces, clear aligners, or restorations (like crowns or bridges) may be recommended to correct bite problems.
• Physical therapy and jaw exercises: Guided activities support stronger, more balanced muscles around the jaw and neck, promoting comfort during daily activities.
• Ongoing checkups: Regular visits help monitor progress, maintain proper alignment, and address any emerging concerns.

Request an Appointment with Your Dentist in Berrien Springs Today

Why suffer from jaw pain or bite misalignment when you don’t have to? Request an appointment with the team at Berrien Springs today so that you can feel better tomorrow. We look forward to working with you.