Bite Realignment Case Study: Headache & Jaw Pain Relief After Full-Mouth Crowns

Background & Symptoms

The patient arrived exhausted by daily headaches and chronic muscle tension that radiated from his jaw into his neck and back. He avoided certain foods because chewing hurt, and he rarely slept through the night. Despite having crowns on all upper and lower teeth, his bite had never felt stable.

Dentist showing patient tooth restoration options.

Exam & Diagnosis

A comprehensive exam (including occlusal analysis, muscle palpation, and imaging) confirmed occlusal disharmony: several crowns were high, others were flat, and the resulting bite forced the jaw joints and muscles into strain. The clinical picture was consistent with TMJ-related muscular pain triggered by a misaligned occlusion.

Treatment Objectives

Decompress and relax the chewing muscles
Re-establish a stable, reproducible bite position
Restore function and esthetics with definitive crowns that match that position strength.

Phased Treatment Plan

Phase 1: Deprogramming & Provisionals (Months 0–6)

Removed failing/ill-fitting crowns in carefully sequenced visits
Used a diagnostic wax-up and two sets of provisionals to guide the bite into the correct position
Micro-adjusted at follow-up visits to track muscle relaxation, chewing comfort, and sleep quality

Phase 2: Definitive Restorations (Months 7–18)

Prepared final crowns once the bite was stable for several months
Fabricated custom ceramics with appropriate cusp anatomy and guidance
Verified occlusion in centric relation and in excursive movements (chewing, side-to-side, forward)

Timeline & Visits

18 months total; 8–12 clinical visits plus brief follow-ups for fine-tuning

Results & Long-Term Stability

Headaches and backaches resolved within months
Chewing comfort restored; broader, healthier diet possible
Sleep quality improved as muscle pain subsided
10-year follow-up: bite remains stable; patient reports lasting relief and greater day-to-day energy

Why It Worked

Correct anatomy + correct position = relaxed muscles and minimal joint stress. By rebuilding the bite on a verified physiologic position, the restorations stopped the cycle of clenching and pain.

Key Takeaways

Bite problems include headaches, neck/back pain, and sleep issues.
Provisional phases are crucial for predictable long-term outcomes.

Related Services (add internal links)

TMJ & Bite Therapy • Full-Mouth Reconstruction • Porcelain Crowns • Nightguards

Call to Action

Living in Deerfield and dealing with headaches or jaw pain? Schedule a bite assessment with our expert team and discover how precision realignment can help you feel like yourself again.