Problems with jaw alignment can affect far more than the way your smile looks. When the upper and lower jaws do not meet correctly, everyday activities like chewing, speaking, and even breathing can become difficult. Over time, these issues may also contribute to chronic discomfort, dental damage, and facial imbalance. For some patients, orthodontics alone is not enough to correct the problem. In these cases, orthognathic surgery may be recommended.
Understanding the signs that point to a jaw alignment issue is the first step toward finding relief. Below, we explore the most common symptoms that may indicate a need for corrective jaw surgery and explain how treatment can improve both function and quality of life.
Difficulty Chewing or Biting Food
One of the most noticeable signs of jaw misalignment is trouble chewing or biting food evenly. If your teeth do not come together properly, certain foods may feel difficult or uncomfortable to eat. You may notice that you rely heavily on one side of your mouth or that chewing feels inefficient no matter how carefully you eat.
An uneven bite places excessive stress on specific teeth and jaw joints. Over time, this can lead to abnormal tooth wear, cracked enamel, and increased jaw strain. Orthognathic surgery repositions the jaws so the teeth align correctly, restoring balance and improving overall chewing function.
Chronic Jaw Pain or Facial Discomfort
Persistent pain in the jaw, face, or around the ears is another common indicator of an underlying jaw alignment issue. Some patients experience frequent soreness, muscle fatigue, or stiffness that does not improve with conservative treatments. This discomfort may worsen when talking, eating, or yawning.
Jaw misalignment can force the muscles and joints to work harder than they should, leading to chronic strain. Corrective jaw surgery addresses the root cause of this tension by realigning the jaws into a more natural and functional position.
Speech Difficulties or Changes in Pronunciation
The position of your jaws plays an important role in speech. When the jaws are not aligned properly, certain sounds may be harder to pronounce clearly. Some patients notice a lisp or difficulty articulating specific words, even if they have had speech therapy in the past.
If speech issues are caused by structural jaw problems, orthognathic surgery can provide lasting improvement. By correcting jaw positioning, the tongue and lips can move more naturally, allowing for clearer speech patterns.
Breathing Problems or Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Jaw alignment also affects the airway. In some cases, a recessed or improperly positioned jaw can narrow the airway, making it harder to breathe normally. This may contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, or symptoms associated with sleep apnea such as daytime fatigue and poor sleep quality.
Corrective jaw surgery can help reposition the jaws to open the airway and support healthier breathing. For many patients, this leads to improved sleep and better overall energy levels during the day.
Frequent Headaches or Neck Strain
Recurring headaches, especially those that seem to originate near the temples or jaw joints, may be linked to bite misalignment. When the jaws do not align properly, the muscles of the face, neck, and shoulders may compensate, leading to tension and discomfort.
Over time, this muscle strain can contribute to frequent headaches or neck pain that does not respond well to typical treatments. Realigning the jaws through surgery can help relieve this ongoing tension and reduce related pain.
Excessive Tooth Wear or Damage
When teeth meet unevenly, certain areas may experience more pressure than others. This can result in excessive wear, chipped teeth, or fractures over time. Even patients who practice excellent oral hygiene may notice accelerated damage due to an imbalanced bite.
Orthognathic surgery creates a more even distribution of bite forces, helping protect teeth from further damage and supporting long term oral health.
Facial Imbalance or Jaw Asymmetry
Facial symmetry is influenced heavily by jaw position. A misaligned jaw can cause the chin to appear shifted, the face to look uneven, or the profile to seem unbalanced. While cosmetic concerns are not the only reason for treatment, facial imbalance often reflects underlying functional issues.
Corrective jaw surgery improves both appearance and function by aligning the jaws in harmony with the rest of the facial structure. Many patients report increased confidence along with improved comfort after treatment.
Bite Problems That Orthodontics Alone Cannot Fix
Braces or clear aligners are effective for moving teeth, but they cannot reposition the jaws themselves. If you have an overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite caused by skeletal issues, orthodontic treatment alone may not fully correct the problem.
In these cases, orthodontics is often combined with Orthognathic surgery to achieve optimal results. Surgery corrects jaw positioning, while orthodontic treatment fine tunes tooth alignment before and after the procedure.
How Orthognathic Surgery Can Help
Orthognathic surgery is designed to correct jaw alignment issues at their source. By repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, this procedure restores proper function and balance to the bite and facial structure. Treatment planning is highly personalized and typically involves collaboration between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist.
Patients often experience significant improvements in comfort, function, and appearance following surgery. While recovery requires time and careful follow up, the long term benefits can be life changing for individuals with severe jaw misalignment.
Taking the Next Step Toward Better Jaw Function and Comfort
Jaw alignment problems can affect far more than your smile. From chronic pain and difficulty eating to breathing and speech concerns, these issues can impact daily life in many ways. Recognizing the signs early allows you to seek the right care and explore effective treatment options. A consultation with an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help determine whether corrective jaw surgery is the right solution for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthognathic Surgery
How do I know if I am a candidate for corrective jaw surgery?
A comprehensive evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the best way to determine candidacy. This typically includes imaging, bite analysis, and a review of symptoms and overall health.
Is orthognathic surgery only for cosmetic reasons?
No. While improved facial balance is often a benefit, the primary goal is to correct functional issues such as chewing difficulty, jaw pain, and breathing problems.
We are proud to provide specialized oral and maxillofacial surgical care at Upper West Side Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Our team is dedicated to helping patients achieve improved function, comfort, and confidence through advanced surgical solutions. If you are experiencing symptoms related to jaw misalignment, we are here to help guide you through your options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.