Identifying the Causes and Symptoms of a Misaligned Jaw

There are a lot of people out there who have misaligned jaws. In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine, only 35% of adults have mandible incisors that are well-aligned. This is part of the reason orthodontists are always in demand. What are the causes and symptoms of this? Read on to learn more!

Causes

There are a few possible reasons for jaw misalignment. They include accidents, assaults, falls, or sports-related injuries. You could also have TMJ (temporomandibular joint), bruxism (grinding your teeth), or even birth defects. There are several options for treatment regardless of what caused the issue.

Symptoms

If you think you have a misaligned jaw, here are some of the things to look out for. You may have pain in your head, jaw, or your neck. This is because a misaligned jaw will put a strain on other parts around it, including things like your neck muscles. You may notice a clicking sound when you do things like yawn or open your mouth to eat or talk. You might have tightness in your jaw or pain around your temple or the back of your shoulder. There may even be a popping sound in your ear.

Treatments

One of main the things that orthodontists can do to treat misaligned jaws is to put braces on the teeth. This can pull things into the correct position. If that doesn’t work, then there are surgical options, like wiring the jaw into place. This also involves gently breaking the jaw and putting things in position. Something like this is a last resort, however, and our experts will explore orthodontic options before resorting to suggesting surgery.

Having a misaligned jaw can be aggravating, painful, and an interruption to everyday tasks. Whatever the situation, if you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek medical help. Our team can take images of your teeth and jaw, evaluate the results, and then determine the best plan of treatment. It may not be a fast turnaround, but the results will be worth it in the end. That will make you want to smile! Are you looking for orthodontists in your area you can rely on for relief from your TMJ? We can work with you on your misaligned jaw. Contact us today to learn more!