Are there treatments to straighten the lower jaw without surgery? Non-surgical mandibular straightening is a way to treat jaw deformities and correct the alignment of the jaws, without painful or invasive treatments. The deviation of the lower jaw may lead to malocclusion, which results in a number of health problems, including the following: –tooth erosion, difficulty chewing,speech problems, Difficulty in brushing and flossing teeth that are not straight, Increased risk of cavities.
So if you are thinking about undergoing non-surgical mandibular orthodontics, and would like to know more information about it, follow this article with me.
What is mandibular deviation?
The deviation of the lower jaw is known as a sunken jaw, and it is a deformity of the bones of the face and jaws where the lower jaw bone does not develop properly, and this causes the upper jaw to fall in front of the lower jaw.
A retracted lower jaw can cause pain while eating.
Causes of lower jaw recession
There are many reasons that can lead to lower jaw recession, such as: –
1- Certain habits in childhood, such as:
- Sucking fingers.
- Chronic mouth breathing.
- Poor respiratory function, and some types of allergies.
- Genetic factors, as jaw recession can be transmitted from generation to generation.
2- Rare and serious genetic disorders such as
-
Pierre Robin syndrome
It is a congenital disorder associated with an underdeveloped jaw, cleft palate, abnormally retracted tongue, and breathing problems.
-
Treacher Collins syndrome
It is a genetic disorder that causes facial deformities, such as a small jaw, abnormally shaped eyes, cleft palate, and problems with hearing, vision, and breathing.
-
Nager syndrome
It is a congenital disorder that causes incomplete growth of the jaw, cheekbones, ears, and forearms.
-
Smaller half of the face
It is a congenital disorder that affects only one side of the face, resulting in a crooked jaw, cleft palate, and eye socket deformities.
Mandibular retraction can also be caused by traumatic injuries, such as a car accident and trauma.
الجراحة.
Get to know: Afzal Types of orthodontics Its importance and side effects
Degrees of lower jaw recession
The relationship between the lower and upper jaw can be divided into three categories. The division refers to the position of the first molars and how they bite together. Includes degrees of mandibular recession The following: -
1- First category
This category is called a balanced bite, and it is the natural relationship between the teeth and the upper and lower jaws.
2- The second category
It occurs when the lower first molar leans more towards the back of the mouth, and this causes the upper teeth and jaw to protrude forward, more than the lower teeth and jaw. This category occurs due to insufficient growth of the lower jaw, excessive growth of the upper jaw, or a combination of both. This category is often caused by genetic factors, or certain habits in childhood.
3- The third category
This category occurs when the lower first molar leans more toward the front of the jaw, and this causes the lower teeth and jaw to protrude forward more than the upper teeth and jaw. This category results from overgrowth of the lower jaw, abnormal growth of the upper jaw, or a combination of both.
Ways to treat jaw crookedness without surgery
Methods of straightening the lower jaw without surgery and treating jaw crookedness depends on the degree of crookedness, the age of the patient, and the functional state of the jaw and teeth. In mild to moderate cases, intervention can be made by non-surgical means that include the following:
-
Fixed or clear braces
It is used to adjust the position of the teeth and thus improve the occlusion of the jaws. This may help reduce jaw protrusion or reduce lateral deviation, especially if treatment begins at an early age, or during adolescence.
-
Functional jaw adjustment devices
They are removable devices that are used during the growing age and work to guide the growth of the upper or lower jaw correctly, such as the Herpes device or the FaceMask device.
-
Jaw muscle exercises
In some simple cases or those resulting from muscle tension and imbalance, the doctor recommends to the patient specific exercises that help him relax the jaw muscles and improve their alignment.
-
Jaw adjustment sessions
Physical therapy is used if the cause is muscular or related to the jaw joint, and may include massage techniques, electrical stimulation, or exercises to reduce pain and improve balance.
-
Medical injections such as Botox
In some cases of hyperactivity of the jaw muscles or muscle spasm causing slight deviation, Botox can be used to reduce tension and improve jaw positioning.
Treatment of lower jaw recession in adults
Although surgery is the only option for adults looking to repair the lower jaw, there are many advanced treatments that are used to straighten the lower jaw without surgery. Treatments include the following:
1- Fillers to treat lower jaw recession
Facial filler injection is one of the treatments used to treat lower jaw recession, and this type is often used to achieve the desired aesthetic purposes.
This procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the area of a receding chin, to improve the appearance of the face. However, it must be noted that the filler procedure cannot treat jaw bone deformities.
Book your consultation now at Dental center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
2- Orthodontics
The only effective orthodontic use for adults with a receding chin is to treat overbites and reposition teeth to their correct positions.
But this procedure cannot fix a receding lower jaw caused by a bone problem.
3- Anterior growth guidance device (ARA)
This device is used to reshape the jaws without feeling the pain and suffering caused by surgery, as it gently stimulates the jaw nerves, which stimulates the body to produce new bone tissue. This results in widening of the jaw, widening of the airway, full growth of the middle of the face, and the creation of a beautiful, healthy smile.
4- Day and night orthodontic device (DNA)
This technology helps activate a person's natural genes, in order to correct the lack of growth in the face and skull area, by wearing removable devices during the day and night. This procedure contributes to the reshaping of bones in the face and skull area over time.
5- Lower jaw advancement splint
A splint is a type of treatment that helps straighten the lower jaw without surgery. This splint helps advance the position of the patient's jaw by a few millimeters while sleeping.
6- Facial exercises and jaw strengthening
Facial exercises and jaw strengthening techniques can help improve the appearance of a receding lower jaw by targeting the core muscles. These exercises aim to strengthen the muscles around the chin and jawline, and lead to a more defined chin.
Lower jaw straightening exercises without surgery
1- Chin lift
- Sit or stand upright, facing forward, and then slowly raise your chin while keeping your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Then maintain that position for a few seconds.
2- Lower jaw pressure exercises
- Close your mouth, then press your tongue firmly against the roof of your mouth.
- Press your lower jaw with your tongue, applying light resistance. Hold this position for a few seconds.
3- Neck resistance
- Place your hands on your forehead.
- Gently push your head forward while resisting the movement at the same time, using your neck muscles. Hold the position for a few seconds.
Read also: أماكن حقن الفيلر في الوجه
Lower jaw orthodontics for children
There are a few non-surgical mandibular orthodontics that can be used in children, to aid the growth of the lower jaw and repair a weak jaw line.
The age of 6 to 14 years is the ideal time to use this type of device, as it is most effective during that age.
These devices contribute to correcting the jaw, by exerting force on the bones, which leads to improving the facial bone structure.
Extraoral fixation for the treatment of mandibular recession
Extraoral fixation is used in orthodontics to slow the growth of the upper jaw bone, and this treatment only works in children when the bones are still growing.
Herbst device
It is a fixed orthodontic device, and is used to adjust the distance between the upper and lower jaw, by pushing the jaw forward, which contributes to a better bite and improving the shape of the patient’s face, by correcting his receding chin.
This device is best for children who are close to completing their growth stage.
Bionator device
The Bionator is a functional, removable intraoral orthodontic appliance that can help correct the lower jaw in children. It works by preventing tooth movement and stimulating forward growth of the receding lower jaw. This device can also help reduce deep bites and improve physiological problems.
Frequently asked questions about straightening the lower jaw without surgery
There may be many questions in your mind regarding straightening the lower jaw without surgery, such as: –
Can a skewed jaw be treated with braces only?
No, orthodontics alone cannot treat a misaligned lower jaw caused by a bone problem, but it can help treat a receding lower jaw, if used in conjunction with surgery.
Can the jaw be modified with exercises?
Yes, facial exercises and jaw strengthening techniques can contribute to improving the appearance of a receding lower jaw by targeting the core muscles.
Does the shape of the jaw change after braces?
Yes, orthodontic treatment can change the jawline, the appearance of the chin, and the shape of the mouth.
In conclusion, I have now realized, dear reader, what are the different therapeutic methods used to straighten the lower jaw without surgery?
Therefore, if you suffer from a deviated lower jaw and want to treat this problem without undergoing surgery, you should go to Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, so that the best doctors can help you determine the appropriate treatment for your condition.