Jaw Deformity

Jaw Deformities

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

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

 

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 9, 2007