Can Your Dentures Be Causing Headaches or Jaw Pain?
- michaelgrishindent
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Persistent jaw pain and unexplained headaches can sometimes be traced back to dentures that aren’t fitting or functioning as they should. At Grishin Denture Specialist, located in Spokane, WA, we’ve helped many patients discover that their discomfort wasn’t neurological or muscular—it was prosthetic.
This guide breaks down how ill-fitting dentures, bite imbalances, and TMJ stress can lead to recurring pain, and what to do to prevent it.
Understanding the Link Between Dentures and Jaw Pain
When dentures don’t align with your natural bite or fail to distribute pressure evenly, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) often compensates by shifting out of its natural position. This misalignment causes muscle strain, inflammation, and referred pain.
Common sources of denture-related jaw pain include:
Uneven bite force from poor occlusion
Overextended denture borders irritating surrounding tissues
Excessive chewing force from unstable lower dentures
Changes in jaw posture caused by missing vertical dimension
These issues not only affect comfort but also trigger chronic fatigue in the masseter, temporalis, and sternocleidomastoid muscles—resulting in jaw soreness and radiating headaches.
TMJ and Dentures: How Prosthetics Contribute to Joint Dysfunction
The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the skull and is responsible for all movements related to chewing and speaking. Dentures that alter jaw alignment can place excess stress on this joint.
According to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, over 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders, and a growing number of cases are linked to oral prosthetics.
Signs your dentures may be aggravating your TMJ:
Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
Jaw stiffness, especially in the morning
Pain in front of the ears or under the cheekbones
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
In many cases, patients do not realize their dentures are affecting their TMJ because symptoms develop gradually and mimic other conditions like sinus pain or tension headaches.
How Dentures Can Cause Headaches
A misaligned or loose-fitting denture can cause muscle overuse in the jaw and neck. These muscles are closely connected with the cranial nerves and vascular pathways that control head and facial sensations.
Primary headache causes linked to denture wear:
Altered bite position leading to abnormal muscle activation
Prolonged clenching due to instability or discomfort
Excessive vertical dimension (dentures that are too tall) or collapsed vertical dimension (dentures too short), both of which change jaw mechanics
Pressure on nerves in the upper palate or mandibular arch
Headaches from dentures are often described as tension-like, affecting the temples, forehead, or back of the head. They may increase after long periods of chewing or speaking.
When to Suspect Your Dentures Are the Problem
It’s important to rule out other causes of headaches and jaw pain, but certain signs suggest the prosthetic may be responsible:
Your pain began shortly after getting new dentures
You find yourself removing your dentures often for relief
Your bite feels "off" or your teeth don’t meet properly
Your dentures shift when talking or eating
Pain worsens as the day progresses
A bite misalignment caused by an incorrect occlusal plane can often be corrected by adjusting the denture base or re-registering jaw relationships.
Diagnosing the Problem: What a Denture Specialist Will Check
To identify denture-related jaw or headache issues, the following assessments are commonly performed:
Occlusal analysis using articulating paper and pressure sensors
Evaluation of denture fit and retention
Facial muscle mapping to identify trigger points
Intraoral inspection for gum irritation or pressure spots
At Grishin Denture Specialist, each patient receives a occlusion analysis before any adjustment or reline is performed.
Treatment Options for Denture-Induced Headaches
1. Denture Reline or Rebase
A reline involves reshaping the internal surface of the denture to better fit the existing gums. This restores comfort and bite balance.
2. Bite Adjustment
Minor reshaping of the denture teeth can equalize occlusal forces and relieve pressure from overworked jaw muscles.
3. Creating a New Denture with Correct Jaw Position
If the denture is significantly worn or misaligned, crafting a new prosthetic using correct vertical dimension and anatomical landmarks may be necessary.
4. Occlusal Splints or Night Guards
These may be used during sleep to relax jaw muscles and prevent clenching.
5. Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients struggling with constant instability, implant-retained dentures provide fixed support and eliminate movement-related strain.
Prevention: Best Practices to Avoid Future Pain
Replace or reline dentures every 5–7 years to maintain fit
Schedule regular denture checkups every 12 months
Avoid overusing denture adhesives to force a fit
Report jaw or facial pain early to prevent chronic damage
Chew evenly on both sides to reduce asymmetrical pressure
Patients who monitor their prosthetic condition and oral health proactively are far less likely to experience headache complications.
Conclusion
Jaw pain and headaches linked to dentures are more common than many realize—but they are also treatable. Poor bite alignment, worn-out dentures, and unnoticed TMJ stress can silently cause discomfort until it becomes chronic.
Addressing these issues requires a combination of expert prosthodontic evaluation and customized adjustment. Whether you're new to dentures or you've been wearing them for years, a proper fit is essential for comfort, chewing, and even gum enjoyment. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we serve patients in Spokane and surrounding areas, including Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake—providing expert care and affordable dentures in Spokane tailored to your long-term comfort and oral health.
If you're experiencing headaches or jaw discomfort, Denturist Michael Grishin—a trusted denturist near me—can assess your bite and recommend adjustments, a reline, or a new set of dentures in Spokane to eliminate pain at its root.
For tips on spotting and preventing denture-related infections, check out this guide.
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