Migraine & Tension Headache Relief
Custom oral appliances that relieve the jaw muscle tension behind chronic migraines and morning headaches — no medication required.
Your Jaw May Be the Source
Many chronic migraines and tension headaches originate from the jaw — specifically from the muscles and joints involved in biting and clenching. Dentists are uniquely positioned to treat this because the solution lies in the mouth. At Tandarts Leidseplein, we create personalised occlusal splints that interrupt the clenching cycle and allow the muscles to relax and recover.
The Connection Between Jaw and Headache
When you clench or grind your teeth — often unknowingly at night — the powerful muscles around your jaw, temples, and neck become chronically overloaded. This leads to referred pain in the form of headaches.
- The temporalis muscle (temple) is a primary driver of tension headaches.
- Grinding forces during sleep can be up to 10 times higher than during waking hours.
- Neck tension, ear pain, and facial soreness often accompany jaw-related headaches.
- The pain is real — it is muscular in origin, not psychological.
Occlusal Splint Therapy
A custom occlusal splint (also called a nightguard or bite guard) is worn over the teeth — usually at night — to reduce the forces of clenching and grinding and allow the jaw muscles to decompress.
Diagnosis & Treatment Process
We begin with a thorough evaluation of your bite, jaw joints, and muscle tension patterns before recommending a treatment path.
- Initial assessment — Evaluation of jaw joint movement, muscle tenderness, and tooth wear patterns.
- Impressions or scan — Accurate records to fabricate a perfectly fitting splint.
- Fitting appointment — The splint is adjusted for comfort and verified in your bite.
- Follow-up — We monitor improvement and adjust the appliance if needed.
What to Expect
Most patients notice a reduction in morning headaches and jaw soreness within the first few weeks of consistent splint use.
Related treatments
Explore care that often goes together.
Ready to stop the pain?
Our custom oral appliances have helped many patients reduce the frequency and severity of migraines and tension headaches. Book a consultation to find out if this treatment is right for you.