How to Fix a Misaligned Jaw (Crooked Jaw) — Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Jaw misalignment is when the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly when the mouth is closed, causing bite problems. It can lead to issues like difficulty chewing and speaking. Jaw misalignment can sometimes be the result of a birth defect, affecting facial development from an early age.

Overbite and underbite are the most common types of misalignments of the jaw. In an overbite, upper teeth rest in front of lower teeth, and vice versa happens in an underbite. If the alignment of your jaw is improper, you face difficulty in everyday activities like eating and speaking. It can be painful and uncomfortable. Severe jaw misalignment can also affect mental health, leading to issues such as low self-esteem or confidence problems. Therefore it’s vital to fix the misaligned jaw at the earliest, as addressing jaw misalignment can lead to better jaw health and improve overall well-being.

Read on to know more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of jaw misalignment. At the end of the post, you will also get answers to some of the FAQs regarding misaligned jaw.

You may have a malocclusion (teeth misalignment) from childhood, or you may witness a sudden misaligned jaw! Teeth misalignment can ultimately turn into jaw misalignment. There are various possible causes of the misaligned or uneven jaw. Check out which of the most common jaw misalignment cause you identify with! It plays a vital role in determining how to fix your misaligned jaw.

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is the disorder of the joint between the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw). The disorder of TMJ, which is linked to the upper and lower jaw, leads to severe complications like pain, inflammation, and sometimes crooked jaw.

• Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition where you clench and grind your teeth either in sleep or in an awake state. This disturbance sometimes leads to temporomandibular joint disorder. Hence, it can also cause pain and stiffness in the jaw and sudden jaw misalignment.

• Trauma or Injury

Any injury during contact sports, assault, and accident can cause the jaw to get broken or fractured. It can even get dislocated. If there are minor injuries or fractures, they’ll be healed on their own. However, a corrective surgery followed by stabilization can only help for significant trauma or injury. It is important that healthcare professionals monitor recovery and provide appropriate treatment to prevent further jaw problems.

• Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain is a chronic pain that occurs around the jaw. When you move the jaw, it can also cause a clicking and popping sound. Face arthritis, injury, and poor posture lead to this painful syndrome which often becomes the cause of uneven jaw.

• Malocclusion

The misalignment of teeth, known as malocclusion, often becomes a reason for jaw misalignment. These crooked teeth can result from an inheritance, tooth loss, excessive thumb sucking in childhood, poorly fitting braces, etc. In some cases, removal of certain teeth may be necessary to address crowding or improve alignment.

• Premature Loss of Baby Teeth

Premature loss of baby teeth can contribute to the development of jaw misalignment, as it may cause shifting of the remaining teeth and affect the alignment of the upper or lower jaw.

• Birth Defects

Misaligned jaw, underbite, or overbite can be a birth defect in some people. Dentists suggest supportive care such as retainers and braces to reposition the teeth. Sometimes, surgery can also be required in combination with orthodontic treatments.

Jaw misalignment can lead to oral health issues and other dental issues if not addressed, including increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and complications with chewing or speaking.

Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause of jaw misalignment, and proper treatment is essential for addressing jaw problems and preventing further complications. For cases involving an underdeveloped upper jaw, an upper jaw expander may be recommended. Orthodontic treatments may also include headgear braces in severe cases to guide jaw growth and correct alignment of the upper or lower jaw.

If your jaw misalignment is minor, you can probably go without treatment. However, you need special treatment if it’s painful and bothers you in your day-to-day activities. There are various ways to fix a misaligned jaw, but an orthodontist can only suggest a suitable option. Meanwhile, you can check out these standard misaligned jaw treatment options.

Some people can improve a misaligned jaw naturally through exercises, posture correction, and lifestyle changes. Natural therapies are also effective for mild to moderate cases, helping to reduce discomfort and support better jaw function.

What are the Orthodontic Treatment Options for Jaw Misalignment?

1. Braces for Jaw Misalignment

It is one of the most common dental appliances to correct jaw misalignment. In the traditional metal braces treatment, the brackets are attached to your teeth and tightened with the help of elastics and wires. Braces are tied to your teeth until your teeth and jaw get back in alignment. These appliances help guide the jaw into proper alignment and proper positions.

2. Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are modern braces made of transparent plastic material, making it a discreet treatment. Like metal braces, clear aligners also push teeth into the correct position. They are a convenient option as they are removable.

3. Bridges

A dental bridge fills the gap of a missing tooth or several missing teeth. So it treats an abnormal bite caused due to misalignment of teeth or tooth loss.

4. Misaligned Jaw Surgery

Surgical correction of jaw misalignment is called orthognathic surgery. Orthodontic surgery is generally done as a last resort when all other treatments for misaligned jaw don’t work or have no possibility of treating severe case of crooked jaw. It’s often done in combination with other orthodontic treatments. Orthognathic surgery can involve repositioning the upper or lower jaw to achieve better function and aesthetics. In some severe cases, the mouth may be wired shut during recovery to ensure proper healing.

Oral rehabilitation is often used after surgery or therapy to restore proper jaw function and alleviate symptoms.

Jaw exercises can also help improve alignment. For best results, open and close your mouth slowly and gently to release tension and enhance jaw function.

The pain management in case of severe jaw misalignment or TMJ disorder can be done through the following methods:-

• Icing or Heating: Apply an ice pack or warm water to the affected area for a few minutes at regular intervals.
• Eat Right Foods: It’s crucial to avoid hard and crunchy foods like nuts and candies to avoid further pain. Eat all soft food available to you, such as boiled veggies and yogurt.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications: You can get OTC pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication such as Mortin and Advil.
• Relaxation Medication: Medicines that reduce muscle tension, anti-anxiety, and anti-depressants can also be suggested to ease the pain and stress.

Additionally, natural therapies such as jaw exercises and relaxation techniques can help manage pain, support symptom reduction, and promote better jaw health.