While we tend to focus on achieving straight, white, clean teeth, we often overlook the contribution of jaw alignment. Yet, a crooked jaw can affect not only your smile but also your oral and overall health. Read more below to find out how you can fix a crooked jaw without surgery.
If you have any questions or concerns about how your teeth bite together, schedule an appointment with Trident Dental for a comprehensive oral exam and evaluation of your bite.
What is a Misaligned Jaw?
Everyone’s mouth and teeth look slightly different. However, there are some general characteristics of healthy-looking and functioning jaws, gums, and teeth. One of these is referred to by dentists as your “occlusion.” This is how your jaws relate to one another so your teeth bite together efficiently and safely and cause no harm to the opposing and surrounding teeth. If your jaws are crooked or misaligned, they can affect your occlusion and your appearance.
What Problems Can a Crooked Jaw Cause?
Some people experience no challenges with misaligned jaws and teeth. However, they cause many different kinds of problems in others and result in a common reason for dental treatments. The severity of the misalignment often determines how much difficulty you might experience. Some of the problems caused by a crooked jaw include:
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Problems chewing and drinking.
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Speaking certain words.
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Difficulty breathing.
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Trauma to gums or lips from crooked teeth.
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Higher risk to develop cavities.
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TMJ disorder and pain.
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Sleep apnea.
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Cosmetic issues.
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Painful jaw, face, or neck muscles.
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Worn and damaged teeth.
Causes Of a Crooked Jaw
Misaligned jaws and teeth are common and have several causes, such as:
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Problems in the development of one or more teeth.
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Developmental problems associated with the jaws, cheeks, lips, or tongue.
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Genetics.
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Premature loss of baby teeth.
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Traumatic injury to the head or mouth.
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Prolonged thumb sucking or use of a pacifier.
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Breathing through the mouth.
Orthodontic Treatment For a Crooked Jaw
A severely misaligned jaw causing pain and other symptoms may require surgery to help resolve these issues. However, many cases of a crooked jaw and teeth are treated with orthodontics. While some cases might require traditional metal braces, invisible braces using removable plastic have many advantages for straightening teeth and improving their bite. These advantages include:
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Esthetics. Clear aligners offer a distinct advantage in their appearance compared to metal brackets and wires.
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Oral health. Keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy requires no additional effort. You can brush and floss normally after removing the aligners.
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Diet. You have no restrictions on the food you eat since you can remove the aligners before your meals.
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Comfort. Clear aligners eliminate the cuts and mouth sores caused by metal wires and brackets.
Cosmetic Dentistry For a Crooked Jaw
Cosmetic and restorative dentistry can’t straighten a crooked jaw. Still, these treatments can improve the appearance and function of your teeth for a healthy smile and bite. This can include treatments such as:
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Dental implants
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Crowns
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Fixed dental bridges
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Partial dentures
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Veneers
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Nightguards
Schedule Appointment
Contact us at Trident Dental to learn how we can help you with any questions or problems you might experience with a misaligned jaw or teeth. We also provide regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings that help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and have a smile you have always wanted.