While headaches and neck pain can have many causes, one fairly common potential cause of debilitating headaches and neck pain in Vancouver can be crooked or improperly set teeth and jaw. Malocclusion (misalignment of the bite and jaw) may be a lesser thought cause of neck pain and subsequent headaches, but in many cases, correction of the issue can help greatly for sufferers of neck pain.
In a “perfect” mouth, the top and bottom dental arches and teeth are perfectly aligned with each other and work like gears with molars fitting together seamlessly. Unfortunately, this rarely happens naturally in a human mouth. For a range of reasons, our teeth tend to grow misaligned and crooked which can lead to problems with bite and speech, and place strain on the temporomandibular joints and muscles that control the jaw.
The strain on these joints and muscles is what can cause some severe neck pain and resultant headaches. An orthodontist can address the issues of malocclusions in the mouth through the use of braces or retainers to retrain the teeth into an ideal position. In doing so, this may lead to less strain on the muscles and joints in the jaw and may alleviate neck pains and strains.
Many adults with misaligned teeth may prefer the option of using Invisalign aligners over traditional braces in Vancouver to avoid the look of having metal brackets and elastics across the teeth.
If you experience unexplained neck pain, and subsequent headaches or migraines, it may prove to be beneficial to book an appointment with your dental office to check your mouth for misalignment and crooked teeth which could be contributing to the problem.
Hello! I’m Dr. Kevin Lee, a certified orthodontic specialist at PacificWest Dental Group, proudly serving the vibrant communities of Vancouver and Surrey. My journey into orthodontics began back in high school. As a teenager wearing braces, I became fascinated by the intricate blend of art, engineering, and biology that defines this field. This early experience ignited a passion that has guided me throughout my career.
I pursued my academic journey at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2006, followed by a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2011. After a year-long residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, I returned to UBC to complete a combined Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology and a Diploma in Orthodontics in 2015. That same year, I achieved certification from both the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and the American Board of Orthodontics.
With over a decade of clinical experience, I remain deeply committed to staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements. At PacificWest Dental Group, we prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring comfort and care every step of the way. Our goal is to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Outside the clinic, I enjoy engaging with our community and staying active. Whether it’s through local events or outdoor activities, I believe in building strong relationships both inside and outside the office. I look forward to meeting you and working together to create a beautiful, confident smile.
Services we provide:
-Invisalign
-Braces
-Lingual Braces
-Digital treatment planning
-TMJ and headpain treatment
-Laser Therapy
-Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
-Dysport Cosmetic Injectables
