Understanding Jaw Misalignment
An important aspect of your mouth’s long-term health is often unappreciated: the ability of your upper and lower jaws to align into a proper bite. If your bite does not align well, this is known as a malocclusion and can contribute to various problems.
Malocclusions may lead to:
- Pain
- Cosmetic issues
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
- Increased risk for dental problems
- Sleep apnea
This misalignment can result from two main sources: your teeth and your jaw. Malocclusion of your teeth is typically treated with orthodontic interventions (like braces), while jaw alignment remedies are more varied. Misalignment of your jaw can lead to your top or bottom row of teeth to mismatch when biting down, in either an underbite, overbite, or overjet.
Causes of a misaligned jaw may include:
- An injury to your head, face, or mouth
- Developmental problems
- A congenital condition (something you’re born with)
Treatment of a misaligned jaw will depend on its severity and cause, along with your health history and cosmetic concerns. Sometimes, no treatment is required at all if your symptoms are mild or absent. We’ll dive into some of the most common treatments below, including how to fix a crooked jaw without surgery.