Jaw clicking. If you’ve ever had it, you know how distracting, annoying, and downright painful it can be. The kind of pain that sneaks up when you try to yawn, eat, or even just talk. For me, it started as a faint little pop. Then it grew louder. Eventually, I was spending $5,000 on treatments that didn’t fix a thing. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing. After months of frustration, I stumbled on something that actually worked. And no, it wasn’t another mouthguard or some expensive surgery. I’m talking about myofunctional therapy. Yeah, it sounds like a mouthful (pun intended), but stick with me.
Why Jaw Clicking Happens
First, a quick reality check. Your jaw isn’t just a hinge. It’s a complex joint called the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ for short. When it’s out of sync, your jaw clicks, pops, or even locks up. This can happen because of:
- Teeth grinding or clenching Misaligned bite Stress and muscle tension Injuries or trauma Poor posture
Most of the time, doctors throw a mouthguard your way or suggest anti-inflammatory meds. Those helped a little for me but didn’t stop the clicking. What was missing?
The Surprise: Myofunctional Therapy
Last Tuesday, I was chatting with a friend who’s https://writeablog.net/kevotahmog/the-link-between-tmj-and-your-neck-pain a dental hygienist. She casually mentioned myofunctional therapy. At first, I thought it was just another fancy phrase for jaw exercises. But it’s more than that. It’s about retraining the muscles around your mouth, tongue, and face to work right.
Look, I was skeptical. I mean, my jaw clicking had been driving me nuts for over six months. But I was desperate enough to try anything that didn’t involve surgery or another $1,000 mouthguard.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy Anyway?
Think of it as physical therapy for your face. It focuses on how you breathe, swallow, and hold your tongue. All those little habits that most people don’t even notice can mess up your jaw alignment. And when your jaw is out of place, it clicks.
My therapist gave me a set of exercises to do daily. Things like:
- Holding my tongue against the roof of my mouth Controlled nasal breathing Gentle jaw stretches and muscle releases
The exercises only took 10-15 minutes a day. At first, I felt awkward doing them. But after a couple of weeks, I noticed my jaw felt less tense.
Jaw Clicking Treatment That Didn’t Break the Bank
Here’s what surprised me most. Myofunctional therapy didn’t cost a fortune. Some therapists charge around $100 per session, and I went for six sessions over two months. That’s about $600 total. Way cheaper than the $5,000 I spent on failed TMJ treatments before.
Plus, I found a few telehealth myofunctional therapy options online. For example, a company called MyoMentor offers remote coaching for about $147 a month. That’s perfect if you can’t get to a clinic easily.
The Jaw Clicking Gone 2 Months Mark
Two months into the therapy, my jaw clicking stopped completely. No exaggeration. The constant popping sound vanished. Eating, yawning, even talking didn’t cause any weird noises or pain anymore.
People ask me if it was just a coincidence. I don’t think so. The timing matched perfectly with the therapy. I’m convinced retraining those tiny muscles fixed the root problem, not just the symptoms.
Why Stop Jaw Clicking Naturally?
Sure, you could go for surgery or expensive orthodontics. But here’s the truth: those options often treat the symptom, not the cause. Surgery is invasive and costly. Orthodontics can run you $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the case.
Myofunctional therapy helps you fix habits that got your jaw clicking in the first place. It’s a long-term fix, not a quick patch.
Affordable Orthodontic Alternatives I Tried
Before fully committing to myofunctional therapy, I experimented with some DIY teeth alignment tools. I bought a set of clear aligners from a company called SmileDirectClub for about $1,900. It helped somewhat with my bite, but it didn’t stop the jaw clicking.
Turns out, even perfect teeth alignment doesn’t guarantee the TMJ joint will stop clicking. The muscles and how you use your jaw matter just as much.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring Connection
Oh, and here’s a weird twist. I also had mild sleep apnea and snored often. Some friends suggested a German dental device called the SomnoDent. It’s a mouthpiece designed to keep your airway open during sleep. I ordered one for about $800.
It helped reduce snoring but didn’t affect my jaw clicking much. That’s when I realized my jaw problem wasn’t just about airway or teeth alignment. It was muscular. That’s when I doubled down on myofunctional therapy.
Facial Development Techniques That Helped Too
Alongside therapy, I learned some facial development exercises. For example, certain chewing routines with tougher foods can strengthen jaw muscles. Even simple posture fixes like keeping your head up and shoulders back helped my jaw feel less strained.
Here’s a pro tip: avoid resting your chin on your hand. It seems harmless but puts pressure on your jaw joint over time.
Telehealth Dentistry: A Game-Changer
Because of pandemic restrictions, I tried telehealth dentistry sessions. Some dentists offered virtual consultations to discuss TMJ issues. They reviewed my jaw movements via video and guided me through exercises.
The convenience was great, and the cost was about $75 per session instead of $200 at a clinic. If you’re stuck at home or have a busy schedule, telehealth can be a good way to start your jaw clicking treatment.
German Dental Devices: What Worked, What Didn’t
I tested a few gadgets from German companies known for their dental tech. The SomnoDent mentioned earlier was solid for sleep apnea but didn’t stop jaw clicking. Another device called the Bionator, which aims to guide jaw growth, was pricey ($1,200) and uncomfortable.
These devices might help in certain cases, but don’t expect them to solve muscle-related jaw clicking alone. Pairing them with therapy is better.
Common Mistakes I Almost Made
Almost went down the surgery path. Almost spent another $3,000 on custom night guards. Almost ignored the problem until it got worse.
Don’t be like me. If jaw clicking is your issue, try to understand the cause first. Is it your muscles? Your bite? Your posture? Jumping into expensive fixes without this can waste time and money.
Why This Might Not Work for Everyone
Look, I’m not a doctor. My experience is personal. Some people have structural problems that require orthodontics or surgery. Some might have TMJ clicking from arthritis or injuries that therapy can't fix.
But if your jaw clicking is from muscle tension or bad habits, myofunctional therapy and simple exercises are worth a shot.
Final Thoughts
After two months of consistent myofunctional therapy and some lifestyle changes, my jaw clicking treatment was a success. I stopped jaw clicking naturally. No surgery. No expensive gadgets that didn’t work. Just daily exercises and learning how to use my mouth properly.
If you’re tired of jaw clicking that won’t quit, give this approach a try. It might just surprise you.
FAQ
What exactly is jaw clicking treatment?
Jaw clicking treatment refers to methods used to stop or reduce the popping or clicking noises in your jaw joint. This can include physical therapy, mouthguards, orthodontics, or myofunctional therapy.
How can I stop jaw clicking naturally?
Natural ways include myofunctional therapy exercises, improving your posture, stress reduction techniques, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding or resting your chin on your hand.
How long does it take for jaw clicking to go away?
It varies. Some people see improvement in a few weeks, others might take months. In my case, jaw clicking gone 2 months after starting therapy.
Is myofunctional therapy expensive?
It can be affordable. In-person sessions often cost around $100 each. Telehealth options may run about $147 per month. Compared to surgeries or orthodontics, it’s usually cheaper.
Can sleep apnea devices help with jaw clicking?
They might help if jaw clicking is related to airway issues. But often, sleep apnea devices reduce snoring rather than stop jaw clicking caused by muscle problems.
Are DIY teeth aligners a good solution?
They can help with bite alignment but may not stop jaw clicking if muscle habits aren’t addressed. Combining aligners with therapy is better.
Can telehealth dentistry diagnose TMJ problems?
Yes, dentists can assess jaw function via video and recommend exercises or treatments. It’s a good first step if you can’t visit a clinic.
When should I consider surgery for jaw clicking?
Surgery is usually a last resort when conservative treatments fail, or if there’s structural damage to the joint. Always get a thorough evaluation before considering surgery.
Is jaw clicking always a sign of TMJ disorder?
No. Sometimes, jaw clicking happens without pain or dysfunction. But if it causes discomfort or limits movement, it could be TMJ-related.
What daily habits can worsen jaw clicking?
Clenching teeth, chewing gum excessively, poor posture, resting your jaw on your hand, and mouth breathing can all contribute to jaw clicking.