The role of orthodontics in improving jaw problems

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Jaw problems are one of the most common abnormalities that can affect the appearance of the face, the way of chewing food, breathing and even the pronunciation of words. Many people think that orthodontics is only used to arrange teeth, while this treatment can play an important role in correcting upper and lower jaw deformities and restoring balance to the facial structure.

In this article from the website of Dr. Najmeh Drtahvildarnejad, orthodontist in Mashhad, we fully examine how orthodontics is effective in improving jaw problems, what types of problems it solves, when surgery is needed and how the treatment is done.

What are jaw problems and why do they occur?

Jaw problems or jaw abnormalities are conditions in which the upper and lower jaws are not in a normal position relative to each other. These problems may be congenital, genetic, or caused by environmental factors such as incorrect oral habits (finger sucking, mouth breathing, tongue pressure, etc.).

The most important jaw abnormalities are:

Front jaw (prognathism): in this case, the lower jaw is placed in front of the upper jaw.

Retrognathism: the lower jaw is further back than the upper jaw.

Small or large upper jaw: which changes the shape of the lips and cheeks.

jaw deviation (crossbite or midline deviation): in which the midline of the jaws does not match.

Open bite or open bite: the front teeth do not overlap when the mouth is closed.

In addition to affecting the beauty of the face, these problems can cause jaw pain, chewing disorders, tooth erosion, speech problems, and even snoring or sleep apnea.

How does orthodontics help correct jaw problems?

The main goal of orthodontics is to create harmony between teeth, jaws and facial muscles. In many cases, by moving the teeth and controlling the growth of the jaws during the growing age, jaw problems can be solved or greatly reduced without the need for surgery.

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The most important methods of orthodontic effect on the jaw are:

Adjustment of jaw growth in children and teenagers (functional orthodontics)

During the growth period, the orthodontist can control the growth direction of the jaws using functional devices such as Twin Block or Activator.

For example, if the lower jaw is small, these devices stimulate its growth and prevent surgery in adulthood.

Correcting the position of teeth in adults

At older ages, when the growth of the jaw is complete, orthodontics can correct the relationship between the jaws as much as possible by moving the teeth accurately.

For example, if the front teeth are protruding or the jaw is back, orthodontics can balance the appearance of the lips and face.

Preparation for jaw surgery (orthosurgery)

In severe cases where the jaw deformity cannot be treated with orthodontics alone, the specialist first places the teeth in the right position with orthodontics, and then jaw surgery is performed to adjust the bones in the right place.

Improving muscle function and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

The misalignment of the teeth and the misalignment of the jaws can put abnormal pressure on the jaw joint and cause noise or pain in the jaw area.

Orthodontics can restore the normal function of the joint by correcting the position of the jaw and teeth.

What effect does orthodontics have on the appearance and symmetry of the face?

Correcting the jaw and teeth is not only a therapeutic aspect; It also improves the beauty of the face. When the lower or upper jaw is in the right position, the shape of the lips, chin and even the angle of the jaw will change.

For example:

In people whose lower jaw is backward, orthodontics makes the chin come forward and increases the attractiveness of the profile.

In those whose upper jaw is too forward, by controlling its growth, the appearance of the nose and lips can be seen more naturally.

Therefore, orthodontics not only makes a beautiful smile, but also restores the overall harmony of the face.

The best age to treat jaw problems with orthodontics

The age of treatment depends on the severity of the problem.

In children 7 to 12 years old: This is the best time to treat jaw abnormalities, because the bones are still growing.

In teenagers (12 to 18 years): the treatment is still effective, but it may take longer.

In adults: the growth of the jaw bone has stopped, so in severe cases, a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery is usually necessary.

For this reason, it is recommended to have the first orthodontic examination at the age of 7 so that possible problems can be identified earlier.

Read more' in order to learn about the main reasons for orthodontic relapse and ways to prevent it, click on the given link.

Duration and stages of maxillary orthodontic treatment

The duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of the abnormality, but it usually lasts between 12 and 30 months.

The treatment steps are as follows:

Initial consultation and examination (including jaw photo, molding and bite examination)

Designing a treatment plan based on the type of anomaly (fixed, movable or combined orthodontics)

Starting treatment by installing brackets or functional device

Regular visits every 4 to 6 weeks to adjust forces

Using the retainer after the end of the treatment to stabilize the results

The difference between normal orthodontics and maxillary orthodontics

In conventional orthodontics, the focus is only on the alignment and alignment of the teeth.

However, in jaw orthodontics, the main goal is to correct the relationship between the jaws and create balance in the facial structure.

For this reason, special devices, headgears or functional plates may be used in jaw orthodontics and the treatment is more complicated.

Benefits of orthodontics to treat jaw problems

✅ Improve facial coordination and increase self-confidence

✅ Improve the way of chewing and swallowing

✅ Reduction of jaw joint pains and related headaches

✅ Improvement of breathing and sleep in some patients

✅ Prevention of premature erosion of teeth

Are all jaw abnormalities treated with orthodontics?

No. Orthodontics can largely correct mild to moderate jaw deformities.

However, in cases where the difference between the upper and lower jaw is large, or the jaw bone has abnormal growth, the only treatment is a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery (orthosurgery).

In this method, the orthodontist and maxillofacial surgeon work as a team to achieve the best aesthetic and functional results.

Conclusion

Orthodontics is not only a treatment for the beauty of teeth, but it is a scientific and effective method to improve jaw problems and restore balance to the facial structure. With early diagnosis and referral to an orthodontist, many jaw abnormalities can be corrected during growth without the need for surgery. In severe cases, the combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery can restore oral function and facial beauty in the best way.

Frequently asked questions about the role of orthodontics in the treatment of jaw problems

Is it possible to move the lower jaw forward with orthodontics?

Yes, in growing age (under 12 years), functional appliances can stimulate the growth of the lower jaw. In adults, there is usually a need for orthosurgery.

Is orthodontics enough to treat jaw deviation?

If the jaw deviation is mild, orthodontics can correct it. But in severe bone deviations, surgery is necessary.

How long does jaw orthodontics take?

Depending on the severity of the abnormality, the treatment takes between 1 and 3 years. In cases of surgery, the whole process may last up to 3 years.

Is jaw orthodontics painful?

Slight pain or pressure is normal for the first few days, but it will go away after a few days and can be controlled with proper care.

Can the problem return after jaw orthodontics?

If you do not use the retainer or ignore the doctor's order, there is a possibility of return. Preservatives are necessary to stabilize the result.

About the author:

In 1379, I was accepted in the national entrance exam of universities with a distinguished rank (5th rank) in the experimental field and started studying at Mashhad Dental School. During my academic period, I was one of the distinguished students of this faculty and I received many academic awards. And finally, in 2018, by defending my thesis on "The effect of bone growth factor on jaw problems", I managed to obtain a doctorate degree in dentistry and became a member of the country's medical system organization and the World Association of Orthodontic Specialists.