[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1196},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-post-\u002Fblog\u002Ftmj-symptoms-bakersfield":3,"blog-related-\u002Fblog\u002Ftmj-symptoms-bakersfield":338},{"id":4,"title":5,"body":6,"cover":324,"coverAlt":325,"coverOrientation":326,"date":327,"description":328,"extension":329,"meta":330,"navigation":331,"path":332,"seo":333,"stem":334,"tags":335,"__hash__":337},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Ftmj-symptoms-bakersfield.md","TMJ symptoms: signs your jaw joint needs a look",{"type":7,"value":8,"toc":312},"minimark",[9,13,25,30,33,91,94,98,101,104,118,122,125,156,159,163,166,169,188,192,195,209,216,220,228,232,249,252,256,259,279,292,300],[10,11,12],"p",{},"The most common TMJ symptoms are jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping\nthat hurts, a jaw that locks or will not open fully, and headaches or ear pain\nwith no other explanation. A jaw that clicks and feels fine is common and\nusually needs nothing. Pain, limited movement, or symptoms that keep coming\nback are the signs worth having examined.",[10,14,15,16,20,21,24],{},"\"TMJ\" is the name of the joint, the ",[17,18,19],"strong",{},"temporomandibular joint",", which is the\nhinge on each side of your face connecting the lower jaw to the skull. When\npeople say they \"have TMJ,\" they usually mean a ",[17,22,23],{},"temporomandibular disorder","\n(TMD): a problem with that joint or the chewing muscles around it. The National\nInstitute of Dental and Craniofacial Research describes TMDs as a group of more\nthan 30 conditions, which is part of why they can be hard to pin down.",[26,27,29],"h2",{"id":28},"what-are-the-most-common-tmj-symptoms","What are the most common TMJ symptoms?",[10,31,32],{},"Symptoms vary a lot from person to person, and they do not always show up in\nthe jaw. The ones to know:",[34,35,36,43,49,55,61,67,73,79,85],"ul",{},[37,38,39,42],"li",{},[17,40,41],{},"Jaw or facial pain",", especially around the joint just in front of the ear,\nor in the cheek and temple muscles.",[37,44,45,48],{},[17,46,47],{},"Pain when chewing",", yawning, or opening wide.",[37,50,51,54],{},[17,52,53],{},"Clicking, popping, or grating"," that comes with pain or catching.",[37,56,57,60],{},[17,58,59],{},"Locking",", where the jaw sticks open or closed, or will not open all the way.",[37,62,63,66],{},[17,64,65],{},"Stiffness in the morning",", often after clenching or grinding during sleep.",[37,68,69,72],{},[17,70,71],{},"Headaches"," centered around the temples or behind the eyes.",[37,74,75,78],{},[17,76,77],{},"Ear pain or fullness"," without an ear infection.",[37,80,81,84],{},[17,82,83],{},"A bite that feels different",", as if the teeth no longer meet the way they\nused to.",[37,86,87,90],{},[17,88,89],{},"Neck and shoulder tension"," that travels up toward the jaw.",[10,92,93],{},"None of these proves a jaw joint problem on its own. Headaches, ear pain, and\nneck pain have many causes, and a good exam looks at all of them. That is why\nthe pattern matters more than any single symptom.",[26,95,97],{"id":96},"is-jaw-clicking-a-sign-of-tmj","Is jaw clicking a sign of TMJ?",[10,99,100],{},"Not by itself. Clicking or popping without pain is common and generally does\nnot need treatment. Inside each joint sits a small cushion of cartilage called a\ndisc. If the disc shifts slightly as the jaw opens, you may hear a click, and\nmany people live with that for decades without trouble.",[10,102,103],{},"Clicking becomes worth mentioning when it comes with any of these:",[34,105,106,109,112,115],{},[37,107,108],{},"pain in the joint or muscles",[37,110,111],{},"catching, or the jaw getting stuck",[37,113,114],{},"a jaw that deviates to one side when you open",[37,116,117],{},"difficulty chewing a normal meal",[26,119,121],{"id":120},"what-causes-tmj-problems","What causes TMJ problems?",[10,123,124],{},"Often there is no single cause. Common contributors include:",[34,126,127,133,139,145,150],{},[37,128,129,132],{},[17,130,131],{},"Clenching and grinding."," Many people do this at night without knowing it.\nTired, sore jaw muscles in the morning are a clue. Stress tends to make it\nworse.",[37,134,135,138],{},[17,136,137],{},"Bite problems."," Teeth that do not meet evenly can change how the jaw\ncloses. This is where orthodontics sometimes enters the picture.",[37,140,141,144],{},[17,142,143],{},"Injury."," A blow to the jaw or face can affect the joint.",[37,146,147],{},[17,148,149],{},"Joint conditions such as arthritis.",[37,151,152,155],{},[17,153,154],{},"Habits."," Nail biting, chewing ice, gum chewing, or resting your chin on your\nhand add strain.",[10,157,158],{},"For many people the cause is a mix, and for some it is never clearly identified.",[26,160,162],{"id":161},"can-braces-cause-or-fix-tmj-problems","Can braces cause or fix TMJ problems?",[10,164,165],{},"This question deserves a careful answer, because the honest one is \"it depends,\nand it is not a first step.\"",[10,167,168],{},"Braces and Invisalign do not typically cause jaw joint disorders, and many\npatients treat a bite problem without any joint symptoms at all. At the same\ntime, NIDCR cautions that irreversible bite treatments, including orthodontics,\nhave not been shown to reliably help TMDs and in some cases can make them worse.\nMoving teeth is not a cure for jaw pain.",[10,170,171,172,177,178,182,183,187],{},"Where orthodontics can fit is narrower: when a diagnosed bite problem is clearly\ncontributing to the strain on the jaw, correcting that bite may be part of the\nplan, after more conservative steps and with a clear reason. That is the\napproach described on our ",[173,174,176],"a",{"href":175},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Ftmj","TMJ treatment page",": conservative\nfirst, escalating only when the case requires it. Decisions about\n",[173,179,181],{"href":180},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Fbraces","braces"," or ",[173,184,186],{"href":185},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Finvisalign","Invisalign"," for a\npatient who also has jaw symptoms should come from a full evaluation, not from\nthe symptoms alone.",[26,189,191],{"id":190},"how-is-a-tmj-problem-diagnosed-and-treated","How is a TMJ problem diagnosed and treated?",[10,193,194],{},"There is no single test that settles it. NIDCR notes that there is no broadly\naccepted standard test, and that people with TMDs are sometimes misdiagnosed or\nsee treatment delayed. In practice, an evaluation usually includes:",[34,196,197,200,203,206],{},[37,198,199],{},"your history: when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and what\nyou have already tried",[37,201,202],{},"an exam of the jaw muscles and joints, including how far and how smoothly the\njaw opens",[37,204,205],{},"a bite analysis, looking at how the teeth meet",[37,207,208],{},"imaging when the exam calls for it, including any records from your dentist\nor physician",[10,210,211,212,215],{},"Treatment starts with the least invasive options. Self-care such as softer foods,\nheat or cold on the sore area, avoiding wide yawns and gum chewing, and gentle\njaw stretching helps many people, and symptoms often settle on their own. If\nthey do not, a custom oral appliance called a ",[17,213,214],{},"splint"," (a removable guard worn\nover the teeth, often at night) is a common conservative next step. Surgery is a\nlast resort, and a small minority of cases need it. When a case calls for a\nsurgical or other specialty opinion, the next step is a coordinated referral.",[26,217,219],{"id":218},"who-treats-tmj-in-bakersfield","Who treats TMJ in Bakersfield?",[10,221,222,223,227],{},"Several providers can play a role, including your general dentist, your physician,\nand an orthodontist. Dr. Guy Mendivil treats roughly 40 TMJ cases a year, many of\nthem referred by general dentists, and many patients come in on their own after\nlooking up their symptoms. You do not need a referral. The practice has been in\nBakersfield since 1989, and appointments take place in private treatment rooms.\nIf your dentist has already suggested that grinding or your bite could be\ninvolved, bring that along. We would rather build on what has been done than\nstart from scratch. For background on how the two professions divide the work,\nsee our guide to ",[173,224,226],{"href":225},"\u002Fblog\u002Fdentist-vs-orthodontist-for-braces-in-bakersfield","dentist vs. orthodontist",".",[26,229,231],{"id":230},"what-can-you-do-at-home-while-you-wait-for-an-appointment","What can you do at home while you wait for an appointment?",[34,233,234,237,240,243,246],{},[37,235,236],{},"Eat softer foods for a few days and avoid very chewy or crunchy items.",[37,238,239],{},"Apply a warm compress or a cold pack to the sore side for about 10 minutes.",[37,241,242],{},"Keep your teeth slightly apart and your tongue resting on the roof of your mouth,\nrather than clenched together.",[37,244,245],{},"Skip gum, ice, and nail biting.",[37,247,248],{},"Notice when symptoms are worst. A log of morning stiffness, stressful days, or\ncertain foods gives the doctor useful clues.",[10,250,251],{},"Over-the-counter pain relief may help some people, but check with your physician\nor pharmacist about what is right for you.",[26,253,255],{"id":254},"when-should-you-see-an-orthodontist-about-tmj-symptoms","When should you see an orthodontist about TMJ symptoms?",[10,257,258],{},"Book an evaluation if you have:",[34,260,261,264,267,270,273,276],{},[37,262,263],{},"jaw pain or tenderness that lasts more than a couple of weeks",[37,265,266],{},"a jaw that locks, catches, or will not open or close fully",[37,268,269],{},"pain when chewing that is changing what you eat",[37,271,272],{},"frequent headaches or ear pain with no clear cause",[37,274,275],{},"a bite that feels newly uneven",[37,277,278],{},"morning jaw soreness that suggests nighttime grinding",[10,280,281,282,286,287,291],{},"If your jaw is locked and you cannot open or close it, or you have pain after an\ninjury to the face, get urgent care rather than waiting for an appointment. Our\nguide to ",[173,283,285],{"href":284},"\u002Fblog\u002Fbraces-emergency-what-to-do-bakersfield","what counts as a braces emergency","\ncovers when to call the office and when to head to the ER, and the\n",[173,288,290],{"href":289},"\u002Ffaq","FAQ"," answers common scheduling questions.",[10,293,294,295,299],{},"If you would like the joint and bite evaluated, you can\n",[173,296,298],{"href":297},"\u002Fschedule","schedule a free consultation",". Dr. Mendivil will examine your jaw,\nexplain what he finds in plain English, and tell you whether treatment makes\nsense or whether a different kind of care is the better first step.",[10,301,302],{},[303,304,305,306,227],"em",{},"This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Only an exam can tell you\nwhat is behind your symptoms. For more on TMDs, see the National Institute of\nDental and Craniofacial Research overview of ",[173,307,311],{"href":308,"rel":309},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nidcr.nih.gov\u002Fhealth-info\u002Ftmd",[310],"nofollow","TMD (temporomandibular\ndisorders)",{"title":313,"searchDepth":314,"depth":314,"links":315},"",2,[316,317,318,319,320,321,322,323],{"id":28,"depth":314,"text":29},{"id":96,"depth":314,"text":97},{"id":120,"depth":314,"text":121},{"id":161,"depth":314,"text":162},{"id":190,"depth":314,"text":191},{"id":218,"depth":314,"text":219},{"id":230,"depth":314,"text":231},{"id":254,"depth":314,"text":255},"\u002Fservices\u002Ftmj-pain.jpg","Patient holding the side of the jaw in discomfort","landscape","2026-10-21","TMJ symptoms include jaw pain, locking, headaches and ear pain. Learn which signs are harmless, which deserve an exam, and what to expect in Bakersfield.","md",{},true,"\u002Fblog\u002Ftmj-symptoms-bakersfield",{"title":5,"description":328},"blog\u002Ftmj-symptoms-bakersfield",[336],"Treatment options","3e2Cz6tZ-jcpQF09Zk8N8nszCFwrn1lN-sUWhBeKNLU",[339,616,917],{"id":340,"title":341,"body":342,"cover":605,"coverAlt":606,"coverOrientation":607,"date":608,"description":609,"extension":329,"meta":610,"navigation":331,"path":611,"seo":612,"stem":613,"tags":614,"__hash__":615},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-clean-invisalign-aligners-bakersfield.md","How to clean Invisalign aligners (and keep them clear)",{"type":7,"value":343,"toc":594},[344,347,355,359,366,369,373,376,397,400,404,407,413,419,422,426,429,449,452,455,459,462,465,491,494,498,501,523,531,535,538,542,555,559,562,579,585],[10,345,346],{},"To clean Invisalign aligners, rinse them in cool or lukewarm water every time\nyou take them out, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and a little clear,\nunscented soap, and give them a deeper soak once a day if you like. Skip hot\nwater, skip toothpaste, and never let them sit loose in a hot car. That short\nlist covers most of what keeps aligners clear, odor-free, and shaped the way\nthey were made.",[10,348,349,350,354],{},"The details matter more than people expect, because aligners sit against your\nteeth for most of the day. This guide explains the daily routine, what to do\nabout cloudiness and stains, and how to protect your trays through a\nBakersfield summer. If you are comparing options first, our guide to\n",[173,351,353],{"href":352},"\u002Fblog\u002Finvisalign-vs-braces-bakersfield","Invisalign vs. braces in Bakersfield","\ncovers how the two approaches differ.",[26,356,358],{"id":357},"why-do-aligners-need-cleaning-at-all","Why do aligners need cleaning at all?",[10,360,361,362,365],{},"Aligners are snug plastic trays. They hold saliva, food particles, and the\nnatural film of bacteria that builds up on every tooth (called ",[17,363,364],{},"plaque",")\nagainst your enamel for roughly 20 to 22 hours a day, which is the wear time\nmost Invisalign plans call for. A dirty tray holds that film in place instead of\nletting saliva rinse it away.",[10,367,368],{},"The result of skipping cleaning is predictable: cloudy plastic, a stale smell,\nand a higher chance of cavities or gum irritation under the tray. Clean\naligners over clean teeth are the whole system. Your aligners work best on teeth\nyou have brushed, and your teeth stay healthy when the aligners are clean.",[26,370,372],{"id":371},"what-is-the-daily-routine-for-cleaning-invisalign","What is the daily routine for cleaning Invisalign?",[10,374,375],{},"The simplest routine has three parts, and none of them take long.",[377,378,379,385,391],"ol",{},[37,380,381,384],{},[17,382,383],{},"Rinse every time they come out."," Cool or lukewarm water, a few seconds\non each side. This stops food and saliva from drying onto the plastic, which\nis what makes buildup hard to remove later.",[37,386,387,390],{},[17,388,389],{},"Brush them once or twice a day."," Use a soft-bristled brush, ideally one\nyou keep only for your aligners, with a small amount of clear, unscented\nliquid soap. Brush the inside and outside gently, including the ridges where\nthe tray meets your back teeth.",[37,392,393,396],{},[17,394,395],{},"Brush your teeth before putting them back in."," This is the step people\nskip. If you eat or drink anything besides plain water with the trays out,\nbrush and floss first, or at least rinse well. Trapping food under an aligner\nis how most cavities near aligners start.",[10,398,399],{},"A quick note on soap: colored, scented, or heavily dyed soaps can leave a taste\nor tint on clear plastic, so plain and clear is the safer choice.",[26,401,403],{"id":402},"can-you-use-toothpaste-or-hot-water-on-aligners","Can you use toothpaste or hot water on aligners?",[10,405,406],{},"Neither is a good idea, and these are the two most common mistakes.",[10,408,409,412],{},[17,410,411],{},"Toothpaste"," often contains tiny abrasive particles. They are fine for\nenamel but can leave fine scratches on soft plastic. Scratches are where stains\nand bacteria settle, and they are also what makes aligners look cloudy. A\nclear soap works better and costs you nothing in clarity.",[10,414,415,418],{},[17,416,417],{},"Hot water"," can warp the plastic. Aligners are made to fit your teeth within a\nfraction of a millimeter. A tray that has bent even slightly can pinch, fail to\nseat fully, or stop applying force where it should. The same goes for boiling\nwater, the dishwasher, and microwaving a cup of water to \"sterilize\" a tray. Stay\nwith cool or lukewarm water, and if you are unsure, cooler is the safer side.",[10,420,421],{},"Also avoid alcohol-based mouthwash and harsh household cleaners. Both can\ndull or discolor the material, and neither belongs near something you wear in\nyour mouth.",[26,423,425],{"id":424},"how-do-you-deep-clean-aligners-without-damaging-them","How do you deep clean aligners without damaging them?",[10,427,428],{},"A deeper soak is optional but useful, especially if the trays are starting to\nlook dull. Choices include:",[34,430,431,437,443],{},[37,432,433,436],{},[17,434,435],{},"Aligner cleaning crystals or tablets"," made for the purpose, used as\ndirected on the package.",[37,438,439,442],{},[17,440,441],{},"Denture-cleaning tablets",", dissolved in cool or lukewarm water, which many\npeople use for the same job.",[37,444,445,448],{},[17,446,447],{},"A diluted white vinegar and water soak"," for light buildup.",[10,450,451],{},"Whichever you choose, rinse the trays well in cool water afterward and brush off\nanything loosened. Soaking is a supplement to brushing, not a replacement for\nit. If a soak leaves a strong taste or smell, rinse longer.",[10,453,454],{},"When in doubt, ask. Different aligner materials respond differently, so the\ninstructions from your orthodontist's office come first. Dr. Mendivil's office\nis a certified Invisalign and Invisalign Teen provider, so bring your cleaning\nquestions to your next visit.",[26,456,458],{"id":457},"why-do-aligners-turn-cloudy-yellow-or-smelly","Why do aligners turn cloudy, yellow, or smelly?",[10,460,461],{},"Cloudiness usually means mineral deposits from water or scratches from\nbrushing with the wrong products. Yellowing is staining, most often from coffee,\ntea, red wine, dark sodas, or tobacco. A smell comes from bacteria, which\nthrive when trays are stored damp and unrinsed.",[10,463,464],{},"Prevention is easier than repair:",[34,466,467,473,479,485],{},[37,468,469,472],{},[17,470,471],{},"Drink only plain water with aligners in."," Everything else, including\nsports drinks and flavored sparkling water, goes in the mouth with trays out.",[37,474,475,478],{},[17,476,477],{},"Brush before reinserting"," so you are not pressing stain and sugar against\nyour teeth.",[37,480,481,484],{},[17,482,483],{},"Let them dry briefly"," before storing, rather than sealing a wet tray in a\nclosed case all day.",[37,486,487,490],{},[17,488,489],{},"Clean the case"," every day or two with soap and water. A dirty case\nundoes a good cleaning routine.",[10,492,493],{},"If a tray stays cloudy or stained after a good cleaning, do not scrub harder.\nMention it at your next visit.",[26,495,497],{"id":496},"how-do-you-protect-aligners-in-the-bakersfield-heat","How do you protect aligners in the Bakersfield heat?",[10,499,500],{},"Valley summers and early fall are hard on plastic. A tray left on a car seat,\ndashboard, or in a gym bag in the trunk can warp in minutes, and a warped tray\ndoes not fit. A few habits help:",[34,502,503,506,509,517,520],{},[37,504,505],{},"Keep aligners in their case, never wrapped in a napkin. Napkins are\nhow many aligners end up in the trash.",[37,507,508],{},"Keep the case out of the sun and out of a parked car, even for a short errand.",[37,510,511,512,516],{},"Take them out for outdoor sports and wear a mouthguard instead. Our guide to\n",[173,513,515],{"href":514},"\u002Fblog\u002Fbraces-and-school-sports-bakersfield","braces and school sports in Bakersfield","\ncovers game-day habits that apply to aligners as well.",[37,518,519],{},"Leave them out of pool water and hot tubs, which can mean both heat and\nchemicals.",[37,521,522],{},"Keep them away from pets, who find them irresistible.",[10,524,525,526,530],{},"The same care applies to the retainer you will wear once treatment ends; our\npost on ",[173,527,529],{"href":528},"\u002Fblog\u002Fretainers-after-braces-bakersfield","retainers after braces","\ncovers that stage.",[26,532,534],{"id":533},"what-if-an-aligner-cracks-warps-or-gets-lost","What if an aligner cracks, warps, or gets lost?",[10,536,537],{},"Do not try to repair it, bend it back, or wear it anyway. Call the office. The\nusual options are going back to your previous tray briefly or having a\nreplacement made, and the right choice depends on where you are in your series\nand how long the tray has been out. Waiting a week hoping it turns up can set\ntreatment back, so a short call early is better than a long fix later.",[26,539,541],{"id":540},"do-teens-need-a-different-routine","Do teens need a different routine?",[10,543,544,545,549,550,554],{},"The cleaning steps are the same. What differs is how consistent the habit is.\nTeens are the group most likely to leave trays in a lunch tray or backpack\npocket, so a case that lives in the same place every day helps.\n",[173,546,548],{"href":547},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Finvisalign-teen","Invisalign Teen"," trays are cleaned just like\nadult ones, and a parent and teen can ask about the routine together at a visit. Adults have their own version of this problem, usually involving\ncoffee, which our ",[173,551,553],{"href":552},"\u002Fblog\u002Fadult-braces-bakersfield","adult braces guide"," touches\non.",[26,556,558],{"id":557},"when-should-you-see-an-orthodontist-about-your-aligners","When should you see an orthodontist about your aligners?",[10,560,561],{},"Call the office if:",[34,563,564,567,570,573,576],{},[37,565,566],{},"A tray cracks, warps, or no longer seats fully.",[37,568,569],{},"Your gums are red, sore, or bleeding where a tray sits.",[37,571,572],{},"You notice white spots or sensitivity on your teeth.",[37,574,575],{},"A tray feels tight in a new way that does not ease after a day or two.",[37,577,578],{},"You have lost a tray, or you are behind on wear time.",[10,580,581,582,227],{},"These are quick questions, not emergencies, and answering them early keeps\ntreatment on its original timeline. You can also find more answers on our\n",[173,583,584],{"href":289},"FAQ page",[10,586,587,588,590,591,593],{},"If you are still deciding whether aligners are right for you or your teen, a\nconsultation with Dr. Mendivil is the place to start. He can look at your bite,\nexplain what ",[173,589,186],{"href":185}," can and cannot do for your\ncase, and walk through next steps. You can\n",[173,592,298],{"href":297}," when it suits you.",{"title":313,"searchDepth":314,"depth":314,"links":595},[596,597,598,599,600,601,602,603,604],{"id":357,"depth":314,"text":358},{"id":371,"depth":314,"text":372},{"id":402,"depth":314,"text":403},{"id":424,"depth":314,"text":425},{"id":457,"depth":314,"text":458},{"id":496,"depth":314,"text":497},{"id":533,"depth":314,"text":534},{"id":540,"depth":314,"text":541},{"id":557,"depth":314,"text":558},"\u002Fservices\u002Finvisalign-bluebg.jpg","Clear aligner tray inside an open black case against a blue background","portrait","2026-10-19","How to clean Invisalign aligners: what to use, what to avoid, how to handle Bakersfield heat, and what to do about cloudy, smelly, or stained trays.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-clean-invisalign-aligners-bakersfield",{"title":341,"description":609},"blog\u002Fhow-to-clean-invisalign-aligners-bakersfield",[336],"Ax3YUPTe8qPznqkx4PKiDpIs2EV5fXAbywt8FW4EfIQ",{"id":617,"title":618,"body":619,"cover":906,"coverAlt":907,"coverOrientation":326,"date":908,"description":909,"extension":329,"meta":910,"navigation":331,"path":911,"seo":912,"stem":913,"tags":914,"__hash__":916},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-do-braces-move-teeth-bakersfield.md","How do braces move teeth? The science, explained",{"type":7,"value":620,"toc":885},[621,628,631,635,642,645,649,652,672,687,691,705,710,717,721,728,731,735,738,741,745,748,755,759,767,771,774,815,818,822,827,831,835,838,842,845,849,852,856,862,866,875],[10,622,623,624,627],{},"Braces move teeth by applying light, steady pressure that tells the body to\nrebuild the bone around each tooth. The bone on one side of the root gives way\na little, new bone fills in on the other side, and the tooth slowly travels to\nits new position. If you have ever wondered ",[17,625,626],{},"how braces move teeth",", that is\nthe whole idea: braces do not force a tooth through bone, they ask the bone to\nreshape itself.",[10,629,630],{},"Most Bakersfield patients and parents only hear the short version at the first\nvisit. This guide covers the longer one, with every clinical term explained as\nit comes up, because understanding the biology makes the rules of treatment\n(wear your elastics, protect your appointments, wear your retainer) make a lot\nmore sense.",[26,632,634],{"id":633},"what-holds-a-tooth-in-place","What holds a tooth in place?",[10,636,637,638,641],{},"A tooth is not welded to the jaw. Each root sits in a socket of bone, and\nbetween the root and the bone is a thin, elastic layer called the\n",[17,639,640],{},"periodontal ligament"," (the tissue that anchors the root and absorbs the\nforces of chewing). Think of it as a tiny cushion wrapped around the root.",[10,643,644],{},"That cushion is the reason teeth can be moved at all. It is also why a tooth\nfeels slightly springy if you press on it, and why a healthy mouth tolerates\nthe daily pressure of chewing without damage.",[26,646,648],{"id":647},"how-do-braces-actually-push-a-tooth","How do braces actually push a tooth?",[10,650,651],{},"Three simple parts do the work:",[34,653,654,660,666],{},[37,655,656,659],{},[17,657,658],{},"Brackets"," are small attachments bonded to the front of each tooth.",[37,661,662,665],{},[17,663,664],{},"The archwire"," is a thin, shaped wire that runs through the brackets. It\nis made to return to its shape, so when it is threaded into crooked teeth, it\ngently pulls them toward the ideal arch.",[37,667,668,671],{},[17,669,670],{},"Ties or clips"," hold the wire in the brackets.",[10,673,674,675,678,679,683,684,686],{},"That is the gentle, constant pressure. ",[173,676,677],{"href":180},"Traditional braces","\nand ",[173,680,682],{"href":681},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Faesthetic-braces","clear or gold braces"," use the same\nprinciple. Elastic bands (rubber bands) add extra force where the upper and\nlower teeth need to line up, and ",[173,685,186],{"href":185},"\naligners deliver it through a series of plastic trays instead of wires. The\npressure comes from different hardware, but the biology underneath is the same.",[26,688,690],{"id":689},"what-happens-in-the-bone-when-a-tooth-moves","What happens in the bone when a tooth moves?",[10,692,693,694,697,698,701,702,227],{},"When a tooth is pressed in one direction, the ligament is ",[17,695,696],{},"compressed"," on\nthe side the tooth is moving toward and ",[17,699,700],{},"stretched"," on the opposite side.\nEach side triggers a different response, and together they are called\n",[17,703,704],{},"bone remodeling",[706,707,709],"h3",{"id":708},"the-pressure-side","The pressure side",[10,711,712,713,716],{},"Where the ligament is squeezed, specialized cells called ",[17,714,715],{},"osteoclasts","\n(cells that break down bone) go to work and slowly remove a bit of bone in the\ntooth's path. This clears the way.",[706,718,720],{"id":719},"the-tension-side","The tension side",[10,722,723,724,727],{},"Where the ligament is stretched, cells called ",[17,725,726],{},"osteoblasts"," (cells that build\nnew bone) lay down fresh bone in the space the tooth leaves behind. This keeps\nthe socket solid.",[10,729,730],{},"The tooth therefore moves forward while the bone behind it is rebuilt. The jaw\nnever gets weaker overall, because the same process that removes bone also\nreplaces it. Your skeleton does this all the time, for example when it mends a\nfracture. Orthodontics simply directs it on purpose.",[26,732,734],{"id":733},"why-does-the-force-have-to-be-light","Why does the force have to be light?",[10,736,737],{},"Light, steady force works best because remodeling is a living process, not a\nmechanical one. Pressure that is too gentle does not signal the bone to\nchange. Pressure that is too heavy can squeeze the blood supply in the\nligament and slow movement down, as well as stress the root. The goal is a\nforce the tissue can respond to comfortably.",[10,739,740],{},"That is why a tight new wire feels like a dull ache and not a sharp pain, and\nwhy more is never better. It is also one reason orthodontists do not simply\ninstall the final wire on day one. Treatment uses a sequence of wires, starting\nwith flexible ones that apply very light force and moving to stiffer, more\nprecise ones as the teeth line up.",[26,742,744],{"id":743},"why-do-adjustments-take-weeks-not-days","Why do adjustments take weeks, not days?",[10,746,747],{},"Because bone remodeling takes time. Cells need to be recruited, old bone must\nbe removed, and new bone has to be built and firmed up. A tooth cannot be\nhurried past that pace without risking damage to the root or the supporting\nbone. In typical treatment a tooth moves only a small fraction of a millimeter\nto roughly a millimeter at a time, which is why visits are spaced weeks apart\nand the overall plan takes many months.",[10,749,750,751,227],{},"Each appointment gives the wire a fresh job. Once the teeth have responded to\nthe current wire, the orthodontist checks the progress, changes the wire or\nthe elastics, and sets the next stage in motion. For a realistic look at the\noverall schedule, see our guide to\n",[173,752,754],{"href":753},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-long-do-braces-take-bakersfield","how long braces take",[26,756,758],{"id":757},"why-do-braces-make-teeth-sore","Why do braces make teeth sore?",[10,760,761,762,766],{},"The ache in the first days comes from the ligament's response to new pressure.\nThe tissue becomes inflamed, which is part of how remodeling gets started, so\nthe teeth feel tender when you chew. For most people it peaks in the first\ncouple of days after a visit and fades. Our\n",[173,763,765],{"href":764},"\u002Fblog\u002Ffirst-week-with-braces-bakersfield","first-week-with-braces guide"," covers\nwhat to eat and what is worth a call.",[26,768,770],{"id":769},"what-speeds-up-or-slows-down-tooth-movement","What speeds up or slows down tooth movement?",[10,772,773],{},"Several things shape how quickly a mouth responds:",[34,775,776,782,788,797,803,809],{},[37,777,778,781],{},[17,779,780],{},"Wearing elastics as directed."," Rubber bands only work when they are on.\nSkipping them stalls the force that moves the bite.",[37,783,784,787],{},[17,785,786],{},"Keeping appointments."," A wire that stays too long has finished its job\nand is just waiting.",[37,789,790,793,794,227],{},[17,791,792],{},"Broken or loose brackets."," A bracket that has come off cannot move its\ntooth. Quick repairs matter; see\n",[173,795,796],{"href":284},"what to do in a braces emergency",[37,798,799,802],{},[17,800,801],{},"Age and bone."," Younger patients are still growing, so bone remodels\nreadily. Adult bone remodels too, just a little more slowly, which is why\nadults can have excellent results with a sound plan.",[37,804,805,808],{},[17,806,807],{},"The movement itself."," Rotating a tooth, closing a gap, or moving a root a\nlong way takes longer than tipping a crown a short way.",[37,810,811,814],{},[17,812,813],{},"Healthy gums."," Teeth need healthy supporting tissue, which is why\nbrushing and cleaning during treatment matters.",[10,816,817],{},"Nothing about this is a race. The aim is steady progress, not the fastest\npossible movement.",[26,819,821],{"id":820},"what-happens-after-the-braces-come-off","What happens after the braces come off?",[10,823,824,825,227],{},"Here the same biology works against you. After braces are removed, the bone\naround the roots is still firming up, and the fibers of the gum and ligament\ntend to pull teeth gently back toward where they started. A retainer holds the\nnew position while the tissues settle. We cover this in detail in\n",[173,826,529],{"href":528},[26,828,830],{"id":829},"common-questions-about-how-braces-move-teeth","Common questions about how braces move teeth",[706,832,834],{"id":833},"do-braces-move-the-roots-or-just-the-crowns","Do braces move the roots or just the crowns?",[10,836,837],{},"Both. The bracket sits on the crown, but the wire's force travels through the\ntooth to the root, and the bone around the root is what remodels. A good plan\nmoves the whole tooth, not just the visible part.",[706,839,841],{"id":840},"is-it-normal-for-teeth-to-feel-loose-with-braces","Is it normal for teeth to feel loose with braces?",[10,843,844],{},"Slightly loose teeth can be a normal part of the process, since the ligament is\nbeing worked. The looseness settles after treatment. If a tooth feels very\nloose or painful, mention it at your next visit or call the office.",[706,846,848],{"id":847},"can-braces-damage-the-bone","Can braces damage the bone?",[10,850,851],{},"When treatment is planned and monitored properly, the process is controlled\nremodeling, not damage. Light force, regular checks, and healthy gums are the\nsafeguards. This is one reason an orthodontic exam, with records and X-rays,\ncomes before treatment.",[706,853,855],{"id":854},"does-invisalign-move-teeth-differently","Does Invisalign move teeth differently?",[10,857,858,859,227],{},"The biology is identical. Aligners apply controlled pressure and the bone\nremodels in response. The difference is in the delivery, and which one fits\nyou depends on your bite. See our comparison of\n",[173,860,861],{"href":352},"Invisalign and braces",[26,863,865],{"id":864},"when-should-you-see-an-orthodontist","When should you see an orthodontist?",[10,867,868,869,874],{},"See an orthodontist if you notice crowded or crooked teeth, a bite that does\nnot close properly, jaw clicking or discomfort, or a child with signs of\ndeveloping bite problems. The American Association of Orthodontists describes\nthe basics of how ",[173,870,873],{"href":871,"rel":872},"https:\u002F\u002Faaoinfo.org\u002Ftreatments\u002Fbraces\u002F",[310],"braces work",", and\nthe answer for your own mouth always depends on an exam, since individual\nmedical advice is not something an article can give.",[10,876,877,878,881,882,884],{},"Dr. Mendivil's practice has served Bakersfield since 1989, and a consultation is\na chance to see where your teeth are, what is moving them, and what a realistic\nplan looks like. If you would like to talk it through, you can\n",[173,879,880],{"href":297},"book a free consultation",", and the ",[173,883,290],{"href":289}," answers many common\nquestions ahead of time.",{"title":313,"searchDepth":314,"depth":314,"links":886},[887,888,889,894,895,896,897,898,899,905],{"id":633,"depth":314,"text":634},{"id":647,"depth":314,"text":648},{"id":689,"depth":314,"text":690,"children":890},[891,893],{"id":708,"depth":892,"text":709},3,{"id":719,"depth":892,"text":720},{"id":733,"depth":314,"text":734},{"id":743,"depth":314,"text":744},{"id":757,"depth":314,"text":758},{"id":769,"depth":314,"text":770},{"id":820,"depth":314,"text":821},{"id":829,"depth":314,"text":830,"children":900},[901,902,903,904],{"id":833,"depth":892,"text":834},{"id":840,"depth":892,"text":841},{"id":847,"depth":892,"text":848},{"id":854,"depth":892,"text":855},{"id":864,"depth":314,"text":865},"\u002Fphotos\u002Fsmile-with-braces.jpg","Close-up of a smile with traditional metal braces and an archwire","2026-10-12","How do braces move teeth? Learn how gentle pressure remodels the bone around each root, why adjustments are weeks apart, and what speeds or slows treatment.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-do-braces-move-teeth-bakersfield",{"title":618,"description":909},"blog\u002Fhow-do-braces-move-teeth-bakersfield",[915],"Treatment timeline","75aem088W4JdHHG4Cc1q3niaviqx2Uam_F25mNMnu9o",{"id":918,"title":919,"body":920,"cover":1187,"coverAlt":1188,"coverOrientation":326,"date":1189,"description":1190,"extension":329,"meta":1191,"navigation":331,"path":284,"seo":1192,"stem":1193,"tags":1194,"__hash__":1195},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fbraces-emergency-what-to-do-bakersfield.md","Braces emergency: what to do about broken wires and brackets",{"type":7,"value":921,"toc":1174},[922,925,928,932,935,955,958,962,965,979,982,986,989,1009,1015,1019,1022,1026,1046,1050,1057,1061,1064,1085,1089,1092,1112,1119,1123,1130,1134,1137,1154,1157,1161],[10,923,924],{},"Most braces emergencies are not emergencies in the medical sense. A poking\nwire, a loose bracket, or a lost rubber band is uncomfortable and worth a\nphone call, but it is almost never dangerous. The right response is to make\nyourself comfortable at home, protect your mouth with orthodontic wax, and\ncall your orthodontist's office so the repair can be scheduled. The true\nemergencies are rare, and they usually involve an injury to the face or mouth.",[10,926,927],{},"This guide covers the common problems, what you can safely do about each\none, and when it is time to call the office or go to an emergency room. It is\ngeneral information for patients and parents in the Bakersfield area, not a\nsubstitute for an exam.",[26,929,931],{"id":930},"what-counts-as-a-braces-emergency","What counts as a braces emergency?",[10,933,934],{},"Orthodontists tend to sort problems into three groups.",[34,936,937,943,949],{},[37,938,939,942],{},[17,940,941],{},"Urgent but not an emergency."," Pain you cannot manage, or a wire that is\ncutting your cheek or tongue and will not stay covered. Call the office the\nsame day.",[37,944,945,948],{},[17,946,947],{},"Needs a repair visit."," A loose bracket, a broken wire, a loose band, or\na lost separator. Not painful enough to rush, but it should not wait for\nyour next routine appointment if it is stopping your teeth from moving.",[37,950,951,954],{},[17,952,953],{},"A true emergency."," A blow to the face, a knocked-out or cracked tooth,\nheavy bleeding that does not stop, facial swelling, or trouble breathing or\nswallowing. These go to an emergency room or urgent care, not to the\northodontist's schedule.",[10,956,957],{},"Everything below falls in the first two groups.",[26,959,961],{"id":960},"what-do-i-do-about-a-poking-wire","What do I do about a poking wire?",[10,963,964],{},"The archwire is the thin metal wire that runs through the brackets on your\nteeth. As teeth shift, the end of the wire can slide and poke into your cheek\nor gums.",[377,966,967,970,973,976],{},[37,968,969],{},"Wash your hands, then use a clean pencil eraser or a cotton swab to gently\npush the wire flat against the tooth.",[37,971,972],{},"If it will not move, roll a small piece of orthodontic wax into a ball and\npress it over the sharp end. Wax is the one item every braces patient\nshould keep in a backpack, glovebox, and bathroom drawer.",[37,974,975],{},"Rinse with warm salt water (about a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm\nwater) if your cheek is irritated.",[37,977,978],{},"Call the office so the wire can be trimmed or replaced.",[10,980,981],{},"Please do not cut the wire yourself. A snipped piece can be swallowed or\ninhaled, and a rough cut can leave a worse edge than the one you started\nwith.",[26,983,985],{"id":984},"what-if-a-bracket-comes-loose-or-breaks","What if a bracket comes loose or breaks?",[10,987,988],{},"A bracket is the small attachment bonded to each tooth. Brackets come off from\na hard bite on something crunchy, a ball to the mouth, or just ordinary wear.",[34,990,991,997,1003],{},[37,992,993,996],{},[17,994,995],{},"Still attached to the wire?"," Leave it in place. If it is spinning or\nsliding, you can gently move it back toward the center of the tooth and use\nwax to hold it comfortably.",[37,998,999,1002],{},[17,1000,1001],{},"Fully off?"," Keep it if you can find it, and bring it to your visit. If\nan edge is rubbing, cover it with wax.",[37,1004,1005,1008],{},[17,1006,1007],{},"Do not use household glue."," It is not safe for your mouth and can make\nthe repair harder.",[10,1010,1011,1012,1014],{},"A loose bracket matters for a reason beyond comfort: a tooth with no bracket\nis not being guided, so the wire cannot move it. Repairing it promptly keeps\ntreatment on track. Our guide to\n",[173,1013,754],{"href":753}," explains why\nbroken pieces and missed visits can add time.",[26,1016,1018],{"id":1017},"what-about-a-broken-or-loose-wire","What about a broken or loose wire?",[10,1020,1021],{},"Sometimes a wire slips out of the bracket on the last tooth, or a section\ncomes loose when a hard food catches it. Use the same approach as a poking\nwire: gently reposition it if you can, cover any sharp end with wax, and call\nthe office. If the wire is shifted but not hurting you, you can usually wait\nfor the next available repair visit.",[26,1023,1025],{"id":1024},"what-if-a-band-separator-or-rubber-band-is-lost","What if a band, separator, or rubber band is lost?",[34,1027,1028,1034,1040],{},[37,1029,1030,1033],{},[17,1031,1032],{},"Loose molar band."," A band is a metal ring that fits around a back tooth.\nIf one comes loose, do not try to remove it unless it is about to fall out.\nCall the office.",[37,1035,1036,1039],{},[17,1037,1038],{},"Lost separator."," Separators are the tiny rubber spacers placed between\nteeth before bands go on. If one falls out, mention it when you call.",[37,1041,1042,1045],{},[17,1043,1044],{},"Lost elastics."," Elastics are the small rubber bands that apply extra\nforce between the upper and lower teeth. Skipping them for a day or two is\nnot harmful, but if you run out or lose your supply, ask the office for more\nrather than going without for long.",[26,1047,1049],{"id":1048},"how-do-i-handle-mouth-sores-and-irritated-cheeks","How do I handle mouth sores and irritated cheeks?",[10,1051,1052,1053,1056],{},"Sore spots are the most common complaint, especially in the early weeks. Wax\nover the offending bracket, warm salt-water rinses, and soft foods usually\nsettle things down. Our ",[173,1054,1055],{"href":764},"first week with braces","\npost covers soreness and what to eat in more detail. Call the office if a sore\nis not improving after a week or keeps getting worse.",[26,1058,1060],{"id":1059},"what-if-i-have-invisalign-or-a-retainer-instead","What if I have Invisalign or a retainer instead?",[10,1062,1063],{},"Clear aligners and retainers have their own versions of an emergency:",[34,1065,1066,1076],{},[37,1067,1068,1071,1072,1075],{},[17,1069,1070],{},"Cracked or lost aligner."," Call the office before skipping ahead to the\nnext set. Moving forward with an aligner that has not finished its job can\nset treatment back. Our ",[173,1073,1074],{"href":185},"Invisalign page"," explains\nhow the trays work.",[37,1077,1078,1081,1082,1084],{},[17,1079,1080],{},"Lost or broken retainer."," Teeth begin to drift when a retainer is left\nout, so call sooner rather than later. See\n",[173,1083,529],{"href":528}," for why\nthat happens.",[26,1086,1088],{"id":1087},"what-should-i-keep-in-a-braces-emergency-kit","What should I keep in a braces emergency kit?",[10,1090,1091],{},"Short list, easy to pack, useful in a gym bag or school backpack:",[34,1093,1094,1097,1100,1103,1106,1109],{},[37,1095,1096],{},"Orthodontic wax",[37,1098,1099],{},"A small mirror and a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser",[37,1101,1102],{},"Dental floss or an interdental brush",[37,1104,1105],{},"A travel toothbrush",[37,1107,1108],{},"Your retainer or aligner case, if you have one",[37,1110,1111],{},"The office phone number: 661-323-5910",[10,1113,1114,1115,1118],{},"If your teen plays sports, pair the kit with a proper mouthguard. Our post on\n",[173,1116,1117],{"href":514},"braces and school sports"," covers\nmouthguards, practices, and game day.",[26,1120,1122],{"id":1121},"what-should-i-avoid-so-repairs-are-less-likely","What should I avoid so repairs are less likely?",[10,1124,1125,1126,1129],{},"Most broken brackets come from the same few foods and habits: hard candy, ice,\npopcorn kernels, whole raw carrots or apples bitten straight into, and chewing\non pens or fingernails. Cutting hard foods into small pieces and eating sticky\nfoods in moderation protects your braces. Brushing carefully around brackets\nalso helps. If you are comparing options for your own treatment, our overview\nof ",[173,1127,1128],{"href":180},"traditional braces"," explains what the hardware is\nmade of and how it is built to be worn.",[26,1131,1133],{"id":1132},"when-should-i-call-the-orthodontist","When should I call the orthodontist?",[10,1135,1136],{},"Call the office when:",[34,1138,1139,1142,1145,1148,1151],{},[37,1140,1141],{},"a wire or bracket is cutting your cheek, lip, or tongue and wax does not\nhelp",[37,1143,1144],{},"a bracket, band, or wire has broken or come off",[37,1146,1147],{},"you have lost an aligner or retainer",[37,1149,1150],{},"pain keeps getting worse after the first few days, or a sore is not\nhealing",[37,1152,1153],{},"you are not sure whether something is a problem",[10,1155,1156],{},"The office is open Monday through Wednesday from 8 AM to 6 PM and Thursday\nfrom 7 AM to 4 PM, and is closed Friday through Sunday. The number is\n661-323-5910. If something happens outside those hours and wax gives you\nrelief, the repair can wait for the next open day. If there is facial\nswelling, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, or trouble breathing,\ngo to an emergency room or call 911.",[26,1158,1160],{"id":1159},"thinking-about-braces-in-bakersfield","Thinking about braces in Bakersfield?",[10,1162,1163,1164,1167,1168,1170,1171,1173],{},"If you are weighing braces for yourself or your child, the best next step is\nan exam, where Dr. Mendivil can explain the options and what treatment would\ninvolve. If jaw pain or clicking is part of the picture, our guide to\n",[173,1165,1166],{"href":332},"TMJ symptoms"," explains what to watch for. You can\n",[173,1169,298],{"href":297},", and our\n",[173,1172,290],{"href":289}," answers many common questions in the meantime.",{"title":313,"searchDepth":314,"depth":314,"links":1175},[1176,1177,1178,1179,1180,1181,1182,1183,1184,1185,1186],{"id":930,"depth":314,"text":931},{"id":960,"depth":314,"text":961},{"id":984,"depth":314,"text":985},{"id":1017,"depth":314,"text":1018},{"id":1024,"depth":314,"text":1025},{"id":1048,"depth":314,"text":1049},{"id":1059,"depth":314,"text":1060},{"id":1087,"depth":314,"text":1088},{"id":1121,"depth":314,"text":1122},{"id":1132,"depth":314,"text":1133},{"id":1159,"depth":314,"text":1160},"\u002Fdr\u002Fdr-checking-patient.jpg","Orthodontist examining a patient's teeth in the treatment chair","2026-10-07","A poking wire or loose bracket is rarely a true braces emergency. Here is what to fix at home, what to save for a call, and when to head to the ER.",{},{"title":919,"description":1190},"blog\u002Fbraces-emergency-what-to-do-bakersfield",[915],"cMCpdqOobMy_LRoooFI_eTws-f3q2Yk7xoLKXjH3Q2M",1792599726687]