The thought of jaw repositioning might seem intimidating if you’re new to the term or if you aren’t sure what exactly it entails, but jaw repositioning could be one of the best things you do for your oral health. Whether you’re experiencing:
- Pain
- Sleep apnea
- Difficulty with speech or chewing
- TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder)
You may find your cure linked to jaw repositioning. You or your child could be experiencing a number of orthodontic issues and not even realize that they are linked to the position of your jaw. When you experience treatment for a misaligned jaw, you open the door to a world free of jaw pain, irritation and an increased sense of self-confidence.
What is Jaw Repositioning and Why is it Important?
Malocclusions, or misalignments in your jaw, are extremely common, but many people may not even realize they are experiencing a misaligned jaw. To fix these malocclusions, orthodontists use jaw repositioning treatments. Jaw repositioning is a type of orthodontic treatment that involves moving the jaw into a more optimal position for proper alignment of the teeth and improved oral health. When the jaw is misaligned, it can cause problems with biting, chewing, and speaking, as well as contribute to problems such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders and sleep apnea.
By repositioning the jaw, orthodontists can help to correct these issues and improve the overall function of the mouth. When your orthodontic health is in check, you avoid future damage and issues to your jaw, providing you with the mindless experience of being able to eat and sleep without having to go through the pain and irritation you otherwise would.
Benefits Of Orthodontic Jaw Repositioning
The main benefit of jaw repositioning is improved oral health and function. When the jaw is properly aligned, it can help to prevent problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and uneven wear on the teeth. Many orthodontic problems exist without you even realizing it, but getting your jaw into proper alignment can help mitigate and remove any disruption to your life that these issues would otherwise elicit.
Jaw repositioning can also improve the appearance of the teeth and facial structure, leading to increased self-esteem and confidence. In addition, correcting misaligned jaws can help to alleviate issues such as TMJ disorders and sleep apnea, which can have a major impact on overall quality of life. Self-confidence often has so much to do with physical appearance, and a healthy, happy smile could be a great new start for your self-confidence journey.
How Orthodontic Jaw Repositioning Is Performed
There are several different techniques that orthodontists may use to reposition the jaw, depending on the specific needs of the patient. These can include the use of braces, headgear, or other appliances to apply gentle pressure to the jaw over time. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to reposition the jaw, but this is typically only done in severe cases or when other methods have been unsuccessful.
In mild cases, the use of braces and/or Invisalign could be enough to straighten out worrisome areas needing correction. In children, palatal expanders are commonly used to aid in correcting jaw alignment by putting gentle pressure on the jaw to expand, making room for new teeth to come in properly. Jaw surgery is used only in the most severe cases of jaw misalignments and usually just in adults whose jaw bones are done growing.
Jaw Repositioning In Fort Worth
If your smile has been a source of frustration for you, whether due to appearance or difficulty chewing, speaking or breathing, you should consider seeing an orthodontist to see what kind of professional treatment is available to help you. At Ahava Orthodontics, we take our patients’ well-being seriously and care about the person as a whole, rather than just another smile to improve. Call our office today at 817-926-9777 to schedule your first appointment!
