A majority of people have some degree of misalignment that needs to be corrected. A simple way to check for misalignment is by opening your mouth as wide as possible, then checking if the front teeth are apart from each other or overlap slightly. If there is a gap, chances are your lower jaw is too far to the side.
If you find that your teeth are misaligned or require braces, make an appointment with a dentist Crows Nest as soon as possible before the damage gets too far. A rule of thumb is if you can slip two fingers easily between your front incisors, they are not correctly aligned and may need braces.
A misaligned jaw may cause several problems, some of which are:
- Premature wear on teeth
- Damage to the temporomandibular joint
- A subluxation or dislocation in your jaw
Permanent damage is hard to undo since it affects growth. Our stem cells are usually inactive after birth, but if you are younger than 30 years old, there is a chance that the misalignment could be corrected to some degree.
A misaligned jaw can cause an anterior open bite or posterior open bite where your upper and lower teeth do not make proper contact. An excellent example of this condition is when your front teeth stick out more than your back teeth. If you have this problem, it is recommended to get an overbite correction for the front of the jaw before the damage becomes permanent.
Why does a misaligned jaw cause harm?
The main reason is that thousands of bones in our jaws move against each other during chewing. As a result, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) also moves during chewing and is a common cause of headaches. TMJ pain can be felt near the jaw or in the ear, depending on where it is located.
A misaligned jaw can cause weight gain because more pressure is exerted on the lower jaw joints when eating. This extra stress may lead to misalignment.
One way to avoid problems related to the jaw is by chewing on both sides instead of just one side or doing “self-chewing” with your tongue while reading or watching TV. This may help you maintain proper alignment.
A misaligned jaw can also lead to poor facial symmetry if left untreated for too long.
If you have a misaligned jaw, it will benefit your health to get treatment as soon as possible. This may reduce the risk of developing chronic problems later on in life.
Areas of adjustment
You can adjust your mouth by learning how to breathe correctly, which strengthens the muscles around the TMJ and keeps them healthier. To practice proper breathing while exercising, place your tongue on the roof of your mouth while inhaling and exhaling.
A misaligned jaw can be caused by improper breathing habits during sleep, leading to sleep apnea, snoring, or even obstructive sleep syndrome. Avoid this by getting one pillow for your head that is slightly higher than the other (6-8 inches) and placing it against the wall instead of the headboard.
The goal is to avoid pushing your tongue forward continuously while sleeping on your back and instead turn over onto one side, where you can breathe properly and not put too much pressure on the jaw joint. This will help prevent further misalignment.
Treatment for misalignment
Getting braces is usually the first thing a dentist will recommend if you have misaligned teeth. For children, it is best to get braces as soon as possible so that any damage can be reversed before they become adults.
Sometimes sleep apnea or snoring may also indicate that there are serious health issues that need attention. For example, if you have a misaligned jaw, it is recommended to get braces as soon as possible to reverse any damage before it becomes permanent.