Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Jaw Deformity

Jaw Deformities

Signs and Symptoms

Jaw deformities can lead to problems with speaking, chewing, swallowing and breathing. The condition also may cause undo stress on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and facial muscles, affecting the long-term health of your gums and teeth. Jaw deformities also may cause pain, degeneration and jaw clicking.

In addition, improper alignment of your jaws and teeth may affect the entire appearance of your face. Correcting your jaw deformity may greatly improve your facial aesthetic. You may have one of the following aesthetic problems due to your jaw deformity:

"Underbite" or "overbite," caused by malocclusion -- the improper alignment of the teeth in relation to the first molars
"Gummy smile," in which your upper jaw has grown too far down
"Long face syndrome," in which you have an open bite with a long looking face
"Toothless smile," in which your upper jaw is too small

Diagnosis

When making a diagnosis of your jaw deformity, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will first start by asking about your medical history and conducting a thorough physical and dental evaluation. This will include evaluating:

The proportions of your face
Functional problems and/or abnormalities related to your jaw and teeth
Problems with dental hygiene, such as recession of gums
Functional problems and/or abnormalities related to your air passageway, which may cause problems such as sleep apnea

In addition, imaging tests of your face, such as X-rays and scans, also may be recommended to assess potential treatment approaches.

Treatment

Jaw deformities caused by unequal jaw growth can be surgically corrected. Treating your jaw deformity will eliminate or greatly reduce any problems related to your condition, such as chewing, breathing and speaking difficulties, as well as restore the aesthetic balance of your entire face.

Corrective jaw surgery involves moving all or part of the upper and/or lower jaw into a more balanced position. The majority of the surgery is performed inside the mouth without any external scarring. A hospital stay and recovery period may be necessary for more involved surgeries, while minor procedures can be performed on a same-day basis.

After the jaws are moved into their new position, rubber bands or wires attached to the teeth may be used to fasten the jaws together during healing. In other instances, miniature screws and plates are used to allow you to open and close your jaws sooner after corrective surgery.

Also, some people require orthodontic treatment, such as braces or other appliances, to align their teeth properly before corrective jaw surgery. In these cases, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will work closely with an orthodontist to coordinate your care to prepare you for surgery.