A misalignment of the jaw is a condition in which one or both of the two joints that hold the jaw to the skull are displaced from their normal position. There are two joints, one on the right and one on the left, which hold the jaw to the skull. There are also teeth on the bones that make up the jaw. As in other living things, the jaw in humans contributes to the implementation of eating functions such as biting and chewing. In case of a disorder of the jaw structure, problems may occur in the functions listed.
The jaw is a structure that helps perform many vital functions. Some problems and developmental problems cause the jaw to be crooked and the upper and lower jaw to be uneven. Jaw structure disorder affects many issues from nutrition to breathing and speaking in sleep. Jaw curvature can sometimes be treated with physical therapy. However, in cases where the deterioration in the jaw structure is considered more important, jaw structure correction surgery may be required.
How is Jaw Shift Corrected?
Elimination of the disorder in the jaw structure is very important in terms of the quality of eating, speaking and sleeping of the individual. There are many kinds of techniques to remove the crookedness in the jaw. For the treatment of mild damage to the jaw; physical therapy, cold application, jaw exercises, mild painkillers can be used. However, in more serious cases, surgery may be required to improve the jaw structure.
Jaw Slip Surgery
Maxillofacial surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is the name used for all procedures performed to correct the jaw bones and the alignment of the teeth in the jaw. Improving the jaw structure helps to correct functions such as eating and speaking, while also improving the appearance of the face.
Jaw surgery helps to improve problems that orthodontic techniques such as braces or appliances cannot correct. Individuals may need to prefer braces and braces before and after jaw surgery for orthodontic problems. Jaw surgery is generally applied after physical development is completed. Therefore, the appropriate age range for jaw surgery is 14-16 years for women and 17-21 years for men.
What Happens If Jaw Slippage Is Not Treated?
The jaw is very important in terms of food intake. Especially in the case of congenital problems or intense jaw malalignment, the patient's food intake can be significantly impaired. Disruption of nutrition in young children can cause developmental retardation. Problems in the jaw can cause problems during breathing, especially obstructive sleep apnea. Jaw curvature can also lead to exacerbation of chronic headaches such as migraine.
The disorder in the jaw structure can affect functionally, but it can also cause undesirable problems in terms of aesthetics. Therefore, improving the curvature of the jaw by applying both surgical and non-surgical methods improves the quality of life of the individual. By recognizing structural problems in the jaw at an early age, treatment can be started at a younger age. Thus, treatment success is increased. With regular oral and dental health checks, jaw misalignment can be recognized at an early stage.
What are the Symptoms of Jaw Misalignment?
A jaw misalignment seen in its early stages is not always an easy problem to detect. However, in cases of ongoing jaw misalignment, it may be possible to detect some determining symptoms. The most common symptoms of jaw slippage are as follows;
- Difficulty in speaking
- Incomplete closure of the mouth
- Upper and lower teeth do not fit together
- Protrusion of the jaw towards the front part
- Pain in the jaw
- Pain and aching in the front of the ear, which intensifies when the jaw moves
- Problems breathing in and out
An individual who detects at least one or more of these symptoms simultaneously should consult a specialist without delay.