How to recognize a slipped chin?
Jaw misalignment is a condition in which one or both of the two joints that hold the jaw to the skull move out of their normal position. There are two joints, one on the right and one on the left, which hold the jaw to the skull. There are also teeth on the bones that make up the jaw. As in other living things, the jaw in humans contributes to the implementation of eating functions such as biting and chewing. In case of a disorder of the jaw structure, problems may occur in these functions.
The jaw is a structure that helps perform many vital functions. Some problems and developmental problems cause the jaw to be crooked and the upper and lower jaw to be uneven. Jaw structure disorder affects many issues from nutrition to breathing and speaking in sleep. Jaw curvature can sometimes be treated with physical therapy. However, in cases where the deterioration in the jaw structure is considered more important, jaw structure correction surgery may be required.
How to correct a misaligned jaw
Eliminating the disorder in the jaw structure is very important for the quality of eating, speaking and sleeping. There are many different techniques for correcting malocclusion of the jaw. For the treatment of mild damage to the jaw; physical therapy, cold application, jaw exercises, mild painkillers can be used. However, in more serious cases, surgery may be required to improve the jaw structure.
Jaw Slippage Surgery
Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is the name used for all procedures performed to correct the jaw bones and the alignment of the teeth in the jaw. Improving the structure of the jaw helps to correct functions such as eating and speaking, while also improving the appearance of the face.
Jaw surgery helps to improve problems that orthodontic techniques such as braces or appliances cannot correct. Individuals may need to choose braces and appliances before and after jaw surgery for Orthodontic problems. Jaw surgery is generally performed after physical development is completed. Therefore, the appropriate age range for jaw surgery is 14-16 years for women and 17-21 years for men.
What happens if a misaligned jaw is not treated?
The jaw is very important in terms of food intake. Especially in the case of congenital problems or severe jaw malocclusion, the patient's food intake can be significantly impaired. In young children, impaired nutrition can cause developmental delay. Problems in the jaw can lead to problems during breathing, especially obstructive sleep apnea. Curvature of the jaw can also lead to exacerbation of chronic headaches such as migraine.
Distortion in the jaw structure can affect functionally, but it can also cause undesirable problems in terms of aesthetics. Therefore, improving the malocclusion of the jaw by applying both surgical and non-surgical methods improves the quality of life of the individual. By recognizing structural problems in the jaw at an early age, treatment can be started at a younger age. Thus, treatment success is increased. With regular oral and dental health checks, jaw malocclusion can be recognized at an early stage.
What are the Symptoms of a Slipped Jaw?
A jaw misalignment in its early stages is not always an easy problem to detect. However, in cases of ongoing jaw misalignment, it may be possible to identify some of the defining symptoms. The most common symptoms of a slipped jaw are as follows;
- Difficulty speaking
- Mouth not closing properly
- Low and upper teeth not fitting together
- Protrusion of the jaw towards the front part
- Pain in the jaw
- Pain and aching in the front of the ear, intensifying when the jaw moves
- Problems breathing in and out
An individual who detects at least one or more of these symptoms simultaneously should consult a specialist without delay.