Signs You May Have a Misaligned Jaw

Approximately 20% of Americans have a bite that is not ideal, including irregularities in the teeth and alignment of the jaw. While some of these cases are not severe, some people face disfigurement, pain, and even trouble with daily tasks such as eating and speaking.

Luckily, there are signs that point to a misaligned jaw, allowing you to catch it before it becomes too severe. Let’s take a look at some signs of jaw misalignment and how to treat it before it becomes a serious issue.

Pain

If you have a misaligned jaw, you might feel pain in your lower jaw or your jaw muscle. Pain in your lower jaw is usually caused by clenching and grinding. Many people with misaligned jaws also grind their teeth at night, which can lead to irreversible enamel damage.

On the other hand, muscle pain is usually caused by your bite not functioning well together with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Left untreated, you can develop TMJ disorder, which can lead to increased jaw misalignment pain as well as other symptoms.

Visible Misalignment

It is sometimes possible to see the misalignment in one’s face. Your lips may look thinner and your lower face may be unsupported. In addition, your chin may not be in alignment with your skull and your bite may look off.

These visible signs may also lead you to look older. As the teeth wear down, a lack of support can push the jaw towards the ears. Your face may also appear shorter and your chin may look small due to wear.

Related: Why Should You Choose an Orthodontist for Your Kid’s Teeth?

Sleep Problems

Many people with misaligned jaws have sleeping problems. As the teeth wear down, their jaw closes too far, causing it to push back towards their ears when they close their mouth. This can lead to not having enough room for your tongue.

While this might not sound like a big problem, it can cause sleep disruptions that can affect daily life. Many people feel they are not as energized as they should be.

How to Fix a Misaligned Jaw

Left untreated, a misaligned jaw can lead to worse problems. Be sure to learn more about how fixing your misaligned jaw can lead to a better quality of life. You’ll feel better, with less pain, lower risk of other disorders, and better sleep, chewing, and facial symmetry.

A jaw misalignment fix used to be a bit painful. Now, that is no longer the case. The process for how to fix a misaligned jaw is not painful and doesn’t require surgery or drilling down your teeth.

If you suspect you have a misaligned jaw, you should contact an orthodontist. They can set up an appointment to discuss your treatment options and which one is the best for you.

Watch Out for Signs of a Misaligned Jaw

If you see any misaligned jaw symptoms, you should discuss your concerns with an orthodontist. Pain, sleep problems, and visible misalignment can all be signs of a misaligned jaw and indicate a problem you should take care of to prevent worse outcomes.

If you found this article helpful, make sure to check out our other health and lifestyle articles, too.