The Connection Between Your Bite and Your Headaches
Frequent jaw pain, headaches, or facial soreness could be signs of a misaligned bite, also known as malocclusion. When your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly, your jaw muscles may overwork to compensate, leading to:
- Tension headaches or migraines
- Clicking or popping jaw joints
- Pain or tightness in the jaw, temples, or neck
- Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully
- Worn or cracked teeth due to grinding (bruxism)
As a prosthodontist, Dr. Paul Connolly is trained in occlusal rehabilitation—an advanced field of restorative dentistry that focuses on realigning the bite and restoring harmony between the teeth and jaw joints. This isn’t just cosmetic; it’s functional therapy that can significantly reduce or eliminate chronic pain.
Botox for TMJ & Migraine Therapy
While many patients associate Botox with aesthetic procedures, it is FDA-approved and widely used for therapeutic relief of TMJ disorders and migraines. At Bedford Center for Prosthodontics, Dr. Connolly is specifically trained in the use of Botox for TMJ treatment, applying it precisely to overactive jaw muscles that contribute to chronic tension, inflammation, and grinding.
Botox helps by:
- Relaxing hyperactive muscles (like the masseter and temporalis)
- Reducing clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Minimizing jaw pain and muscle fatigue
- Decreasing the frequency and intensity of tension-related headaches
Patients typically begin to feel relief within days, with effects lasting 3–4 months. For many, this therapy complements long-term occlusal correction and appliance therapy, offering a multi-layered approach to managing discomfort.
Sleep Apnea Solutions: Moving Beyond the CPAP
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects millions of adults, and while CPAP machines are often prescribed, many patients find them uncomfortable or difficult to tolerate. For those with mild to moderate OSA—or for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP—custom oral appliances offer an effective, non-surgical solution.
Our prosthodontic team fabricates personalized appliances that gently reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. Benefits include:
- Improved airflow and oxygen intake
- Reduction in snoring and sleep interruptions
- Compact, travel-friendly design
- More restful sleep without cumbersome equipment
If you're experiencing fatigue, snoring, or have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea, we can work in coordination with your sleep physician to provide a dental-based alternative.
A Comprehensive Approach to Facial Health
What sets prosthodontic care apart is the ability to evaluate the mouth as part of a larger, functional system. We don’t just address symptoms—we target the underlying structural cause of discomfort. Whether you're suffering from TMJ pain, sleep apnea, or migraines, it often comes back to one foundational issue: your bite.
By combining occlusal rehabilitation, Botox therapy, and custom sleep appliances, our team treats the whole picture—helping you regain comfort, balance, and function.
And because your care is overseen by a specialist with advanced training in jaw biomechanics and restorative dentistry, you're getting solutions built for long-term success—not just temporary relief.
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