Crooked jaw

[JWoods38]

Hi guys, I am 23 years old and I just got braces. However my real problem is that my jaw looks kind of crooked. It looks like the right side of my face is shorter than my left and in the mirror both sides look different. It of course is NOT noticeable, but I know that it is a problem I am having. I barely get to talk to my dentist because I never see him and someone else is always doing whatever needs to be done, so I havent had the chance to talk to him about it. Is this a problem that anyone has heard of, and can it be solved with braces or any other ortho treatment?

[Punkin]

Originally Posted by JWoods38

Hi guys, I am 23 years old and I just got braces. However my real problem is that my jaw looks kind of crooked. It looks like the right side of my face is shorter than my left and in the mirror both sides look different. It of course is NOT noticeable, but I know that it is a problem I am having. I barely get to talk to my dentist because I never see him and someone else is always doing whatever needs to be done, so I havent had the chance to talk to him about it. Is this a problem that anyone has heard of, and can it be solved with braces or any other ortho treatment?

you should set up an appointment with your dentist to talk to him about this. If he's not giving you the time you deserve, and he's the one doing your braces, you may be stuck with him, but, really, a good dental professional (or any medical professional) will take the time to talk to you about your treatment and answer your questions. If you cannot get the time to talk to him during a regular appointment, tell him you have some questions, and would like to set up a time when you can come and talk to him and both of you can devote some time to answering these questions.

[mikedatooth]

hi there. I have sort of the same issue. Mine doesn't look to be off when looking at me, but if you look in 2 mirrors, you can see my lower jaw is a bit off... I haven't really considered it an issue as I am working on straightening my teeth.

[JWoods38]

Yeah I agree, I might just set up an appointment with an orthodontist to get a better opinion. Thanks for your help!

[Zoso]

I definitely agree with Punkin about you deserving time and attention from your doc, and that setting up a consultation with him may be a good approach to getting your questions answered.

This said, if the issue is one of an asymmetry of the jaw itself - an issue with the skeleton - then orthodontia is not going to be able to address that, as adult orthodontic treatment really is about moving the teeth only. (For kids, some modification of growth patterns can be accomplished.) If this is not causing you functional issues, and is barely noticeable, then you may be better off not addressing it, as doing so would probably involve surgery.

[mariahfromchicago]

JWoods38, did you set up the appointment?
Hope the appointment goes well!