Jaw misalignments are characterized, for example, by differently sized jaws or a non-optimal position of the temporomandibular joints in relation to each other.
Below you will find further information and selected specialists for malocclusion.
Jaw misalignment is a type of dysgnathia. This term is used to describe the misalignment and development of individual teeth, the jaws and the masticatory system.
In some cases, no treatment is necessary and the affected person can live with it without major problems. In other cases, however, it must be corrected in order to ensure the full functionality of the jaw.
In a healthy jaw, the teeth are arranged symmetrically. There should not be a large gap between the teeth, but they should not overlap each other either. Both jaws are exactly the same size so that the corresponding teeth lie on top of each other when the mouth is closed.
However, this ideal case rarely applies. Only about one person in 20 has such an ideal set of teeth. In all others, individual teeth may be misaligned or the entire jaw may be misaligned.
The various jaw misalignments include
A malocclusion can be hereditary or caused by external influences. The lower jaw is more likely to be affected by hereditary influences, while the upper jaw is also influenced by habits. For example, thumb sucking or frequent and prolonged sucking on poorly shaped bottle teats can promote jaw misalignment.
However, there are also some complex diseases that lead to changes in the dentition and malocclusion. These include
A misaligned jaw can cause problems when chewing. Ideally symmetrical alignment is the best tooth position for grinding food. A misaligned jaw can make chewing more difficult.
The misalignment can also cause muscle tension. This usually affects the jaw joint, shoulder or neck area. It can also lead to headaches and concentration problems.
A misaligned jaw can also impair breathing. This normally takes place mainly through the nose. However, if the mouth cannot be completely closed due to a misaligned jaw, this leads to increased mouth breathing. This increases susceptibility to infections.
Either the dentist or an orthodontist is responsible for treating malocclusion. Orthodontic treatment is only necessary if it affects
appearance.
Measures to correct a misaligned jaw can be taken as early as childhood. This makes most sense between the ages of nine and thirteen. During this period, jaw growth is not yet complete and the teeth have already changed.
In some serious cases, however, treatment may already begin with the primary dentition, for example in the case of
A misaligned jaw can be corrected with braces, for example. Braces can correct the position of individual teeth, but not of the entire jaw. A distinction is made between loose and fixed braces.
Fixed braces remain in the patient's mouth for the entire duration of treatment and cannot be removed.
Braces - here fixed braces - help to correct misaligned teeth for years © Björn Wylezich | AdobeStock
Loose braces, on the other hand, can be inserted and removed by the patient themselves. They are usually only worn for a certain period of time each day. With this form of treatment, the patient's cooperation is particularly important. If the patient does not wear the loose braces regularly, there can be no improvement.
Surgery is usually only considered for adults with severe misalignments. It is considered if braces cannot sufficiently correct the severe malocclusion.
The patient is put under anesthesia during the operation. During the operation, the surgeon only works inside the mouth to avoid facial scars. This is why such an operation is often lengthy and complex. During the operation, the doctor removes various parts of the bone and replaces them if necessary.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
