Jaw Misalignment

Jaw misalignment often develops because of differences in the growth, size or position of the upper and lower jaws. Genetics can play an important role in determining facial structure and jaw development, meaning characteristics such as an overbite, underbite or facial asymmetry may run in families. In some people, one jaw may grow more or less than the other, creating a difference in how the upper and lower teeth come together.

The teeth themselves can also contribute to alignment problems. Crowding, missing teeth, abnormal tooth eruption and differences in tooth position can alter the bite even when the underlying jaw bones are relatively well aligned. Childhood habits such as prolonged thumb sucking or dummy use may influence developing teeth and jaws in some cases. Because the teeth and jaws work together, dental and skeletal factors can occur at the same time and produce different forms of malocclusion.

Jaw alignment can also change following facial trauma, tooth loss or certain developmental conditions. In some cases, asymmetrical jaw growth can gradually become more noticeable during adolescence as facial development progresses. The severity and effects vary considerably: some people have visible asymmetry with few functional symptoms, while others experience difficulty biting, chewing or speaking despite relatively subtle changes in appearance. A professional assessment can determine whether the concern originates primarily from tooth position, the jaw bones or a combination of both.