A bite that doesn’t line up correctly may seem like a dental concern, but sometimes the problem goes beyond your teeth. Differences in the size, shape, or position of your upper and lower jaws can affect how you chew, speak, breathe, and use your jaw joints.
At Sultan Center for Oral Facial Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, leading maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Leslie Sultan evaluates the entire facial and jaw structure to determine when jaw misalignment may require more than orthodontic treatment alone.
When Is Jaw Misalignment a Skeletal Problem?
Orthodontic treatment can move your teeth into better positions, but it cannot fully correct significant differences in the underlying jaw bones. For example, your lower jaw may sit too far forward or backward, your upper jaw may be underdeveloped, or the jaws may have developed asymmetrically.
These skeletal differences can create an overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite, or facial asymmetry. When jaw position causes the bite problem, corrective jaw surgery may be considered as part of treatment.
What Symptoms Can Jaw Misalignment Cause?
A skeletal jaw discrepancy can affect everyday function in ways that are easy to overlook. Depending on your anatomy, you may experience:
- Difficulty biting or chewing certain foods
- Uneven tooth wear
- Difficulty closing your lips comfortably
- Speech concerns related to jaw position
- Jaw joint discomfort or altered function
- Noticeable facial asymmetry
- Breathing or airway concerns
These symptoms do not automatically mean you need surgery. They do show why a comprehensive evaluation matters when a bite problem affects more than tooth alignment.
Can Jaw Position Affect Your Breathing?
Jaw position can affect the space available in your upper airway. In some people, a retruded lower jaw or other skeletal relationship may contribute to airway narrowing and obstructive sleep apnea.
Corrective jaw surgery can reposition the facial skeleton to improve the bite while also addressing airway anatomy when appropriate. Treatment planning therefore considers function, facial balance, jaw-joint health, and breathing, not just the teeth.
When Should You Consider an Orthognathic Surgery Evaluation?
If orthodontics alone cannot correct the underlying skeletal discrepancy, orthognathic surgery may provide a more comprehensive solution. Dr. Sultan has extensive experience in corrective jaw surgery, TMJ conditions, and complex facial reconstruction. Advanced imaging and virtual surgical planning allow him to evaluate your jaw relationships and develop an individualized treatment plan.
If jaw misalignment is affecting your bite, function, breathing, or facial balance, contact Sultan Center for Oral Facial Surgery at (954) 771-8772 to schedule a consultation.
