What is Jaw Malalignment?

Jaw malalignment is when the bones of the upper jaw (maxilla) and/or lower jaw (mandible) are out of proportion to one another and the rest of the facial skeleton. This affects the teeth’s position by causing an improper bite such as an overbite or underbite. A crooked jaw can lead to issues such as facial muscle or TMJ pain, excessive wear on the teeth, or inability to bite into and chew food efficiently.

Causes of Misaligned Jaws

Misaligned jaws can be present from birth, or they may occur as a patient goes through their developmental years. Traumatic injuries can impact the jaw’s alignment. TMJ-related conditions and oral pathology, such as cysts or tumors, can cause the jaw to move out of alignment as well.

Treatment

For significant misalignments, surgery is often the most effective treatment option. We specialize in procedures that adjust the jaw’s position to enhance both function and appearance.

At Facial Surgery Group, these surgeries are meticulously planned with the aid of advanced imaging technologies, ensuring precise outcomes. We use computer-aided design, 3D X-rays, and intraoral scanning to build a patient specific portfolio to plan surgical movements. We make custom plates and screws to cater to your individual needs. Most importantly, we do not wire your jaws shut after standard orthognathic surgery! Patients who undergo treatment for jaw misalignment often experience significant improvements in their quality of life, including better chewing efficiency, relief from pain, and enhanced self-esteem due to improved facial aesthetics.