Is Having a Jaw Deformity Untreatable? Or Is There a Solution?

What Is Jaw Deformity and How To Treat It?

Having a deformity is never easy, as it can cause so many additional problems, both when it comes to our health and confidence. Not to mention that it can make you struggle to do some ordinary activities, such as eating, talking, swallowing, etc.

It is more than obvious why someone would want to look for a solution to this situation. Sometimes, tooth extraction and bone grafts can solve the problem, but there are conditions that are a bit more complex. 

What Are Jaw Deformities?

Jaw deformity is a term that covers a wide variety of problems with the upper and lower jaws. Of course, people can suffer from different levels of deformity, and the severity of the problem will depend on many factors. 

Not only that the deformity will cause aesthetic problems leading to issues with self-esteem in the long term, but it can also be painful, making breathing and eating difficult, and the only solution is often jaw surgery, which is why you should know all about these issues and how to fix them. 

According to this dentist who does Invisalign dentist in west point VA, one of the most common jaw deformities that affect both children and adults is TMJ (temporomandibular joint ) disorder.

Possible Deformities

There are many different types of deformities of the jaw, and they can affect at least one of the following properties. 

• Position
• Size
• Shape
• Orientation
• Symmetry or completeness

However, it is possible for a person to experience deformities that include more than one of these geometric properties. For example, the size of the jaw may be affected, but at the same time, there can be facial asymmetry present. 

And the more complex the situation is, the more challenging it will be to solve the problem. It is also worth mentioning that jaw deformity can be both a primary problem and a secondary issue caused by a disease, injury, or impairment. 

Size

The size of the upper and lower jaws will play an important part in the functionality as well as aesthetics. Micrognathia is a common condition where the lower jaw is smaller than it is supposed to be. The opposite condition is macronagthia, which means that the patient will have an abnormally large jaw, leading to mandibular prognathism.  

Orientation

Orientation of the jaw can lead to malrotations, and they are separated into different groups based on the axis of rotation. 

Position

The position of the jaw can result in other kinds of deformities, and we can notice it go in transverse and vertical directions. Laterognathia refers to the former and to the lateral bite (position of the lower jaw). 

Vertical abnormality can develop in both the maxilla and mandible. It is worth noting that both vertical and horizontal excess is possible, and it falls into this category as well. In this case, the mandible will be located too low. 

Shape

When it comes to the abnormal shape of the jaw, it is a characteristic that isn’t position, size, or orientation. Another term often used is distorted jaw, and it can have a significant impact on the facial structure. 

Symmetry or Completeness 

Completeness of the jaw refers to whether the jaw is whole. And this doesn’t refer to the number of teeth. Sometimes, it is possible that a part of the jaw is missing, and this happens when bones that form the jaw during pregnancy fail to fuse together. 

Cleft lip and cleft palate are the results of problems during pregnancy, and it is something that explains the completeness or wholeness of the jaw. 

What Causes Deformities?

So, what causes these problems? One of the first things to mention is genetics. Most of these deformations are hereditary, in which case there isn’t much one can do to change things. Besides hereditary factors, though, deformities can be caused by environmental influences and development. 

What that means is that it will be nearly impossible to predict whether something like a jaw deformity will develop before it’s too late. But there are still some options you look into, such as various orthodontic treatments.

Finally, some other conditions can lead to problems with the jaw as well. For example, macronagthia can be caused by Paget’s disease or acromegaly. 

Symptoms

When it comes to the symptoms, they will depend on the type of deformity a patient has. But they are usually easy to spot. Jaw deformities will cause aesthetic impairment, making everyday tasks challenging due to lack of functionality. 

If there is misalignment between jaws, a person might have difficulties with neck and head functions related to chewing. They can also struggle with breathing, swallowing, and lip posture and even have problems while speaking. They might also experience pain in the temporomandibular joint (or TMJ), which can significantly impact every aspect of their lives. 

Is Treatment Possible?

Yes. The treatment usually includes a combination of orthognathic surgery and orthodontic treatments. That means you will need both an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist. 

Wearing traditional braces is quite common, and the orthodontist will aim to align teeth before the surgery. That is because surgery can worsen the occlusion, and wearing braces will help show the full degree of the abnormality. 

Maxillofacial surgery is necessary for patients who are too old for the jaw to be corrected by other means. Growth modification can be possible for younger patients. As for the type of surgery, it will mostly depend on the condition. 

Sometimes, bone grafts will be necessary, and these surgeries can get quite complex. It will also take time for teeth to align and for the body to heal. But there is no simpler way. 

What to Do?

The first thing you will need to do is talk to your dentist. Diagnosing jaw deformities is relatively simple, and your dentist will be able to tell you more about the condition, surgical techniques necessary to fix the problem, and so on. 

They can also recommend an orthodontist and a surgeon to help you get the correct jaw structure. Unfortunately, there aren’t many things you can do on your own. The best option is to follow the procedure your dentist recommends. 

Tooth Extraction and Bone Grafts in Uptown

If you live in Uptown, Chicago, you can always visit Broadway Dental Co. In the majority of cases, tooth extraction is only performed when the tooth is beyond saving. But there are cases when it is necessary for other teeth to fit in the jaw. 

And this is why it is so important when it comes to jaw deformities. Broadway Dental Co. offers both tooth extraction and bone graft services, and it can be the first step toward a perfect smile.