There are few treatment options to fix a misaligned jaw. If you are suffering due to a misaligned, uneven jaw or crooked jaw, you should visit Zara Dental in Houston, Texas to consult with our orthodontist. All of your questions can be answered including how to fix a crooked jaw without surgery, how to fix underbite, can braces fix a misaligned jaw, what is the average cost of braces and what is a misaligned jaw treatment.
Your misaligned jaw is most likely causing issues with the way your teeth are sitting. This results in issues with your bite. If you do not correct your misaligned jaw with a jaw alignment, the way you sleep, talk and eat will be negatively impacted.
What is a Misaligned Jaw?
You are most likely aware we offer orthodontic treatments to correct your crooked teeth or those of your child. We can also use braces to correct your bite issues. If you or one of your children are suffering from a misaligned jaw, one of the best ways to correct the issue is through the use of braces. We can also eliminate the consequences you are or will suffer due to problems with either an overbite or an underbite. Unfortunately, this particular issue is usually both obvious and painful.
If one of your children is suffering from one of these issues, ask them if they are being teased by their peers. They will most likely answer yes. The term bite is in reference to the way your lower and upper teeth come together. If your bite is incorrect, the way you talk, eat, and chew are being negatively affected. The two issues we see the most frequently at Zara Dental in Houston, Texas are overbite and underbite bite issues.
If your upper jaw sits behind your lower jaw, it is called an underbite. If there is an abnormal protrusion of your upper jaw over your lower jaw, it is called an overbite. Both of these types of deformities cause you or your child to look awkward. You need to understand the consequences of these conditions are a lot more serious than just the way you look. If you have an underbite, your appearance is similar to that of a bulldog due to the protrusion of your lower jaw.
In addition to an underbite placing a great deal of stress on your joints, you will eventually experience excessive wear on your teeth. If you have an overbite, your teeth are sticking out too far. This is called buck teeth. Your teeth can break easily, making it hard to close both your mouth and your lips. Your face most likely appears elongated causing issues with your speech. As your oral tissue dries out, your risk of tooth decay substantially increases.
Your treatment options depend on how severe your alignment issue is and which type of bite problem you are experiencing. The are several treatments capable of fixing your issue including braces, surgery, and cosmetic dentistry. In addition to correcting your issue, we improve your dental health and aesthetic appearance to make you more comfortable and confident. This will help ensure you are pleased with your appearance every time you smile.
Types of Jaw Misalignment
Jaw misalignment, also known as malocclusion, can manifest in various forms. The primary types are:
- Overbite: A condition in which the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth.
- Underbite: When the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth.
- Crossbite: Where some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside.
- Open Bite: A condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not contact one another when the mouth is closed.
- Jaw asymmetry: Where one side of the jaw is higher or more forward than the other.
Misaligned Jaw Symptoms
A misaligned jaw can result in a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Jaw pain: Prolonged discomfort in the jaw, particularly during speaking or chewing.
- Headaches: Frequent headaches, usually caused by tension in the jaw muscles.
- Difficulty chewing or biting: Challenges in properly chewing or biting food.
- Speech difficulties: Difficulties with pronunciation or speaking effectively.
- Face pain: Muscle strain resulting in facial, neck, or shoulder discomfort.
- Ear pain or ringing: Jaw tension causes discomfort or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
- Tooth wear: Uneven wear and tear on the teeth due to misaligned bite.
What are the Causes of Misaligned Jaw?
The way your jaw functions relies on your muscles, bones, and tendons working together properly. If you or your child are suffering from an imbalance due to one or more of these structures, your result can be an unevenness to your entire jaw. There are a lot of different reasons your jaw is uneven including the following.
– Your Teeth Alignment
If your teeth are misaligned, this might be the reason your jaw is misaligned. Your teeth may be preventing your jaw from settling into the correct position. We can help correct your issue with retainers or braces. Depending on the severity of your issue, your results can require between six and 18 months.
– Broken Jaw or Trauma
Your jaw can be broken, dislocated, or fractured due to a sports injury, assault, fall, or accident. Your issue might be a direct result of the trauma you experienced. If you have a slight fracture, there is a chance you will heal without any treatment. If you are suffering from a major break, your jaw might need surgery to ensure proper healing. Surgery will stabilize your jaw.
– TMJ Disorders
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint disorders and is extremely common. The cause is usually arthritis or trauma. You can experience symptoms without an obvious cause. And you can decrease swelling and pain with an application of ice to your jaw and take a pain reliever you can purchase over-the-counter medications such as Advil or Tylenol. You need to make certain to avoid any strenuous movements of your jaw. We can provide you with a dental appliance to reposition your jaw and raise your bite.
– Birth Defects
A birth defect can be responsible for the condition of your jaw. You may have had an uneven, misaligned or crooked jaw from birth. This is called a faulty jaw and we can correct this issue with surgery. You may also require lifestyle changes or supportive care.
What Are The Treatment Options to Fix A Misaligned Jaw?
The typical treatment for misaligned jaws and crowded or crooked teeth is braces. We provide many patients in Houston, Texas with traditional braces to assist with overbites, underbites, and straighten teeth. Also, we offer headwear braces you will most likely need to wear between 12 and 14 hours each day. We only recommend this option if your alignment is unable to be fixed with traditional braces. If you have an underbite, we generally recommend a jaw expander.
We use this option to widen your mouth’s palate. This will ensure your lower teeth can move into the correct position. You place your expander into your mouth’s upper palate. You then gradually widen your palate every night with the use of a special key. Your palate should widen enough within approximately one year for the correct fit of your lower and upper jaws. If your jaw alignment is extremely serious, you will require orthognathic jaw surgery.
During your surgery, a maxillofacial surgeon will place wires, screws, and plates into your jaw. Your result is a permanent correction of your bite issues and a substantial improvement in your sleep and speech. We will determine the type of surgery you need according to the underlying cause of your issue. The four procedures we recommend the most include the following.
– Fix a Misaligned Jaw using Mandibular Osteotomy
You can correct issues including a protruding lower jaw and an overbite with this type of surgery. You can move your lower jaw backward or forward due to the cut made by your surgeon.
– Maxillary Osteotomy to Fix a Misaligned Jaw
You have this type of surgery on your upper jaw to correct your crossbite or open bite. Your teeth and lower jaw align because they are moved forward to the correct position.
– Genioplasty
If you have a crooked or small chin, you can fix your issue with a genioplasty. Your chin bone is cut to restructure your chin and jaw.
– Jaw Wiring to Fix A Misaligned Jaw
If you have a broken or fractured jaw, your jaw is correctly positioned and supported through the use of wiring.
How to Fix a Misaligned Jaw Naturally
While severe jaw misalignment may necessitate professional intervention, the following natural treatments might assist in improving alignment:
- Exercises for the jaw: Consistent exercise helps improve alignment and strengthen the jaw muscles. Some examples are the practice of effective chewing techniques, resistance exercises, and jaw stretches.
- Posture correction: Good posture might help to reduce further strain on the jaw. Ensure that your head, neck, and spine are correctly positioned, especially if sitting or standing for an extended time.
- Stress reduction: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help to relieve jaw strain.
- Healthy diet: A balanced diet high in vitamins and minerals promotes oral health and muscle function.
- Avoiding hard foods: Limiting your consumption of hard or chewy foods can help to prevent additional jaw strain.
Can Braces Fix Uneven Jaw?
If you have a mild or medium jaw misalignment or crowded or crooked teeth, you will most likely require the standard treatment of traditional braces.
You might have a slight or obvious bite issue. This is the reason you need to schedule regular orthodontic visits for both yourself and your children. We monitor the development and movement of your teeth during orthodontic visits. If you have young children, visits are essential to decrease the risk of an impacted tooth and observe incoming teeth. Also, we detect hidden teeth issues and monitor jaw development.
We examine your teeth and review your mouth and jaws for any underlying conditions. We check for disease and decay, then thoroughly clean your teeth. And we give you information to help you create and maintain good dental habits earlier. This means you can keep your teeth free of decay and healthy during and after your treatment.
How Zara Dental Can Help
At Zara Dental, our specialty is helping you and your children fix a crooked or uneven jaw or a jaw misalignment. We accomplish this during your orthodontic treatment to provide you with a smile you are proud to show. We also provide you with the average cost of braces or the orthodontic treatment you require. If you or one of your children is suffering from crowded teeth, an overbite, or an underbite, we have the solution you need. Contact our office today for your consultation.
