Jaw Repositioning
Misalignments in your jaw, also known as malocclusions, can have a lot of negative effects on your overall health. Some issues include pain, an increased risk of other dental issues, and even sleep apnea. There are a few methods to reposition the jaw for a proper bite alignment to alleviate these problems.
How Jaw Repositioning Works
There are a few different methods for jaw repositioning, but they all have one goal: to get your personal bite into proper alignment. The method used will often depend on the severity of the malocclusion, or misalignment of the jaw. Whichever appliance or method is used, the process of slowly moving the jaw into proper alignment is the end goal.
It is much easier to reposition the jaw of a child than it is in an adult. This is because a child’s jaw is still growing, so the manipulation from orthodontic appliances can actually help the jaw grow into the proper position. This allows the jaw to be in the optimal bite by the time they stop growing.
Thanks to some advances in technology, there are some non-surgical options for adults that need their jaw repositioned. The reason it can be a little more tricky for adults is due to the fact that the jaw has already finished growing.
Get the Care You Deserve In Fort Worth Today
Ahava Orthodontics is always welcoming new patients to give them great smiles. Whether it’s for your child or for you, we’re ready to give you the best orthodontics treatment and jaw repositioning in Fort Worth.
Getting started is easy. Simply contact our office to get your new patient exam scheduled and we’ll have you on the path to a great smile in no time!
Methods of Jaw Repositioning
For mild underbites, braces and Invisalign clear aligners can also be used for correction. For underbites or overbites of a slightly more severe nature, other appliances are used. These appliances are attached to your teeth in some way and slowly work to reposition your jaw. While this could still work in adults, it’s usually only viable in very mild cases.
In children, the good news is that surgery is usually a pretty rare need. Since a child’s jaw bones are still growing, they can be moved with orthodontic appliances. Palatal expanders are one of the most common methods for correcting jaw alignment. Metal bands are temporarily fitted around certain teeth and metal bands are attached to the fittings. This appliance slowly moves the jaw into a proper position.
Jaw surgery, usually referred to as orthognathic surgery, is reserved for very severe cases of jaw misalignments. It is primarily used in adults since the jaw bones are no longer growing.
Benefits of Jaw Repositioning
Having a properly aligned jaw prevents a ton of issues, and some of these issues can be quite severe. By having a properly aligned bite, you prevent these major problems:
- Difficulty chewing
- Difficulties with speech
- Sleep apnea
- Negative self-conscious feelings about how your jaw looks
- Pain
- An increased risk for other dental problems
- Temporomandibular joint disorder, or “TMD”