Abnormal Jaw Relationships

An abnormal jaw relationship exist when the upper and lower jaws are mismatched for a proper bite. This problem results in poor bite, strain on facial muscles, jaw joint problems and poor facial appearance.

Symptoms
* Difficulty in biting and chewing.
* Pain and stiffness in the jaw joints, causing difficulty in opening or closing the mouth.
* Speech defects.
* Arthritis in the jaw joints, in some cases.

Common causes
* Hereditary.
* Early loss of primary teeth.
* Jaw joint problems.

What you can do
* Consult an orthodontist.

What your dentist can do for you
* Splint therapy to reposition jaws
* Orthodontic treatment to improve relationship of the lower and upper teeth.
* Jaw surgery to correct skeletal discrepancy.