Jaw deviation and its treatment methods are very important and you should prevent it with various exercises and treatments that are available for it. Jaw deviation, also known as jaw joint deviation, is a condition in which the jaw joint is in the wrong place and is out of alignment with the other jaw. This abnormality has significant effects on the balance of the teeth and can lead to their unbalanced contact. The result of this situation causes many problems, including pain in the jaw joints, headache and neck pain, constant fatigue, and unusual sounds in the jaw joints. In the continuation of this article, we will examine the methods of jaw deviation from the website of Dr. Najmeh Tadredaranjad, **orthodontic surgeon in Mashhad**. Stay with us until the end. How does jaw deviation occur? In order to understand the correct function of the jaw, we must pay attention to the coordination between the different tissues that make it up. These tissues include tendons, bones and muscles. Any inconsistency or damage in one of these components leads to a disturbance in the natural position of the jaw and a change in its basic angle. This situation not only negatively affects the function of the jaw, but also brings more serious problems; Therefore, a detailed examination of the health of these tissues and its effects on the jaw seems essential. **Read more" If you want to check the reasons for the small lower jaw + its treatment methods, click on the given link.** Accurate diagnosis of the cause of jaw deviation will have a significant impact on the success of related treatments, including orthodontics; The most important and common reasons for a crooked jaw are as follows: - Traumatic injuries to the jaw area - Hereditary and congenital problems - Posterior crossbite that leads to abnormal growth of the lower jaw Functional changes of the jaw that have not been treated - Temporomandibular joint abnormalities (**TMJ**) You should note that understanding these factors will be key to planning the crooked jaw treatment. How to diagnose crooked jaw (jaw deviation) Jaw crookedness or jaw deviation is one of the common abnormalities of the jaw and face that can cause problems both aesthetically and functionally (such as chewing, speaking and breathing). Early diagnosis of this problem plays an important role in preventing more serious complications. In the following, we will get acquainted with different methods of detecting crooked jaw. ### Clinical examination by a maxillofacial specialist The first step in diagnosing crooked jaw is a detailed examination by a maxillofacial specialist or orthodontist. By examining the symmetry of the face, the position of the upper and lower jaw, the way the teeth are closed (bite), and the general condition of the jaw when moving, the doctor finds out the early signs of deviation. Signs such as an asymmetric smile, shifting the chin to one side, difficulty in opening or closing the mouth, or making noises during movement of the jaw are among the important symptoms that the doctor examines. ### Specialized photography (radiography) For a more accurate evaluation, the use of specialized imaging such as panoramic radiography (OPG) or cephalometric radiography is required. These images help the doctor to fully evaluate the bone structure of the jaw and skull and measure the amount of deviation. In certain cases, a three-dimensional CT scan (CBCT) is also used to examine the bony details and jaw joints more closely. ### Examination of the function of the jaw joint (TMJ) In some patients, jaw deviation can be associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The doctor examines the function of this joint in terms of pain, sound, limitation of movement and inflammation. If the TMJ is involved, more specialized treatments may be needed. ### Checking facial symmetry with digital tools Some clinics use digital technologies such as 3D facial scanning to check the symmetry of the patient's face more precisely. This method can reveal subtle deviations of the jaw that may not be obvious at first glance. Types of treatments for jaw deviation The treatment of jaw deviation is performed in two ways, surgical and non-surgical. In non-surgical methods, the use of orthodontic and fixed devices helps to improve the condition of the jaw. Also, drug therapy is used as an effective option in relieving the pain caused by this abnormality; But it should be noted that in cases where the deviation of the jaw is severe, drug therapy alone cannot do anything and the patient must turn to surgery. How to treat jaw deviation with sports movements? In order to strengthen the jaw muscles in deviation conditions, doing some sports and exercises are effective. These exercises not only help to improve the strength of the jaw muscles, but also play an important role in reducing the symptoms caused by this abnormality. There are some good exercises and exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles that can be followed to improve the crooked jaw. ### Skeletal exercises One of the effective exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles is to open and close the mouth slowly and continuously. In this exercise, you have to open your mouth completely and then close it slowly. Repeating this movement strengthens the jaw muscles. To start, do this exercise 10-15 times and after a few weeks, gradually increase the number of repetitions. **Read more" What is camouflage or compensatory orthodontics?** ### Resistance exercises To strengthen the jaw muscles, special tools such as a special ball or other sports equipment can be used. For example, challenge and strengthen the jaw muscles by placing a ball in the mouth and applying gentle pressure to it; Then, by releasing the ball, you can slowly return to the starting position. ### Joint massage One of the effective methods to strengthen and relax the jaw muscles is gentle massage of this area using fingers. By doing this, muscle tension will improve and you will experience more comfort. How is jaw deviation treated with surgery? When non-surgical methods to treat jaw deviation are not effective, repositioning may require surgery. The type of surgery used also depends on the main cause of the deviation and the doctor chooses one of the following methods to correct this abnormality. ### Arthrocentesis This method involves inserting small needles into the joint and is used to collect synovial fluid, in order to diagnose and treat diseases such as arthritis and gout. Modified condylotomy This method indirectly addresses the TMJ through surgery on the mandible and may be helpful in treating pain and locking. **Read more" Click on the given link to get to know the ways to treat locked jaw.** ### Upper jaw osteotomy This surgery is performed to correct an open bite or cross bite in the upper jaw. In this method, the upper jaw and teeth move forward to align with the lower jaw bone and teeth. ### Osteotomy of the lower jaw This surgery corrects problems such as misalignment and protrusion of the lower jaw. The surgeon moves the lower jaw forward or backward by making incisions in the back of the mouth. ### Jaw and chin contouring surgery This method involves cutting the chin bone in front of the angle of the jaw. Gene formation This bone plastic surgery is done to correct a small or irregular chin. **Read more" treatment of small lower jaw with orthodontics** ### Open joint surgery If jaw pain is not relieved by conservative treatments and appears to be caused by a structural problem in the joint, the doctor may recommend open joint surgery (arthrotomy) to repair or replace the joint. This type of surgery has more risks than other methods and must be carefully evaluated. ### Injections In some cases, corticosteroid injections into the joint may be effective. Also, injecting botulinum toxin type A (Botox) into the jaw muscles helps relieve pain associated with TMJ disorders. ### TMJ arthroscopy In certain cases, arthroscopic surgery is as effective as open joint surgery for treating TMJ disorders. In this method, a thin tube (cannula) is inserted into the joint space and small surgical tools are used to perform its operation. In general, this method has less risks and complications, but it is done with many limitations. #### Last word Deviation or misalignment of the jaw occurs when the upper jaw cannot align properly with the lower jaw. This abnormality is caused by several factors such as misalignment of teeth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, trauma and congenital defects. Treatments related to these abnormalities are also done in several ways. These treatments help to improve the quality of life and general health of people.