TMJ and Sleep: Can Fixing Your Teeth Help?

You brush, floss, and get to bed at a decent hour—so why are you still waking up tired? For many people, the answer isn’t just in their sleep habits. It’s in their jaw. That’s right—your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment can quietly affect how well you sleep. And if your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is strained or overworked, your body might not be getting the rest it needs.

When Your Bite Works Against You

Your TMJ connects your jaw to your skull. It’s small but mighty—and when your bite is misaligned, this joint works harder to compensate. That extra stress can lead to clenching, grinding, and muscle fatigue, especially at night. It can also cause jaw pain, tension headaches, and even earaches.

Correcting bite alignment with Invisalign can make a noticeable difference. As your teeth gradually move into better positions, the pressure on your jaw can decrease. A properly aligned bite reduces strain and makes it easier for your jaw to fully relax—day and night.

Nighttime Grinding and Clenching: What You Can Do

Even with a good bite, many people grind their teeth or clench their jaw in their sleep. This habit—called bruxism—can wear down teeth, damage dental work, and leave you feeling sore in the morning.

A custom nightguard can help. Made to fit your mouth comfortably, it acts as a cushion between your teeth. It doesn’t just protect your enamel—it can also reduce muscle tension and help your jaw stay in a more relaxed position while you sleep.

Solutions for Better Sleep at Main Street Dental in Bentonville, AR

At Main Street Dental in Bentonville, Dr. Amin Nasehi and Dr. Joshua Brudi help patients connect the dots between dental health and quality sleep. Whether it’s correcting misalignment with Invisalign or protecting your teeth with a custom nightguard, we’re here to help you wake up feeling refreshed—not sore or tense.

Your teeth and your sleep are more connected than most people realize. If something’s been keeping your jaw busy at night, let’s find a solution that gives both you—and your smile—a real break.

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Categorised in: Invisalign, TMJ Therapy