Posted on 7/1/2024 by Treasure Valley Oral & Facial Surgery
Jaw misalignment, also called malocclusion, occurs when the upper and lower jaws do not fit together properly. This can affect chewing, speech, and facial appearance. Several effective treatment options are available to realign the jaw.
Orthodontic Treatment
One common approach is orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners. An orthodontist will attach braces to the teeth and use gentle pressure over time to guide the teeth and jaws into better alignment. Traditional metal braces or newer options like ceramic braces or Invisalign can successfully treat many cases of jaw misalignment.
Dental Devices
Another option is an oral appliance fitted by a dentist or oral surgeon. Devices like a night guard or bite splint can shift the jaw into an improved position. This may relieve pain and tension from jaw misalignment. Dentists can also install dental fillings or crowns to adjust bite alignment.
Orthognathic Surgery
When nonsurgical options cannot sufficiently improve bite alignment, orthognathic surgery may be recommended. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon does this to reposition the jaws directly. The upper, lower, or both jaws can be operated on to achieve better alignment. Metal plates and screws are used to keep the repositioned jaw in place during healing.
Combination Treatments
In many cases, orthodontics and orthognathic surgery are used together to optimize results. Once the jaws are realigned properly, braces may be placed before and after surgery to align the teeth. The combined approach allows for highly accurate correction of bite issues.
Benefits of Treatment
Treating jaw misalignment not only improves function but also enhances facial appearance. When the jaws are properly aligned, the teeth fit together better for comfortable chewing. Speech may improve as well. Facial symmetry and proportion are restored. Pain from jaw joint strain is often relieved through treatment. Patients report increased confidence when jaw alignment issues are corrected.
Consult an Oral Surgeon About Your Options
If you are experiencing symptoms of jaw misalignment, such as chewing difficulties, chronic jaw pain, or speech problems, an oral surgeon can discuss the treatment approaches that will best meet your needs. The right combination of orthodontics, oral devices, and surgery can successfully realign your jaw and give you an optimized bite. Proper jaw alignment provides significant quality-of-life improvements for many patients.
Jaw misalignment, also called malocclusion, occurs when the upper and lower jaws do not fit together properly. This can affect chewing, speech, and facial appearance. Several effective treatment options are available to realign the jaw.