Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTMJ DisordersSymptomsDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
TMJ Disorders
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
When there’s a mismatch or misalignment between your upper jaw bone (or maxilla) and the lower one (mandible), you have an uneven or crooked jaw. This can arise due totemporomandibularjoint (TMJ) disorder, as well as trauma or dental issues such asmalocclusion.
The severity of a crooked jaw varies. Some people with more serious cases have symptoms like an asymmetrical face, pain in the temples, ear-popping, and problems chewing.Treatments include using orthodontics and surgery, as well as symptom management.
Milos L Jubicic / Getty Images
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects the maxilla and mandible.TMJ disorders(often simply called “TMJs” or “TMDs”) are a common cause of crooked jaw. They occur when there are problems either with the joint itself or the surrounding muscles or ligaments.
Symptoms of TMJ DisordersTMJ disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:Jaw and tooth painHeadaches and earachesShoulder and neck painInability to open your mouth wideLocking of the jaw when open or closedPopping or clicking when chewing or moving your mouthRinging in the ears(tinnitus)Facial swellingMisalignment of the upper and lower jaw
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:Jaw and tooth painHeadaches and earachesShoulder and neck painInability to open your mouth wideLocking of the jaw when open or closedPopping or clicking when chewing or moving your mouthRinging in the ears(tinnitus)Facial swellingMisalignment of the upper and lower jaw
TMJ disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
Trauma
Crooked jaw can also arise due to falls or accidents. For instance, healing can be uneven following a fracture of the mandible or maxilla, undermining their alignment.
This type of uneven jaw can arise in those of any age, though people withosteoporosisor low bone density are more likely to experience lasting damage.This is why doctors employ extra monitoring and care as you recover from a broken bone or traumatic injury to the jaw.
Conditions Present at Birth
Many cases of an uneven jaw can be attributed to conditions present at birth affecting the symmetry of the face.
A congenital issue, termed “hemifacial microsomia,” most commonly affects the jawbones. It leads to irregularities on one side of the face (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). Varying in severity, this can cause:
Severe cases, especially if they’re bilateral and untreated, can lead to obstructivesleep apnea(snoring and sleep disruption) and Pierre Robin syndrome (a severe underformation of the mandible at birth).
Many syndromes result in midface deficiencies, with small upper jaws that cause severe malocclusion. A crooked jaw is also associated withcleft palateand lip.
Teeth Misalignment
Malocclusion—the misalignment and mismatch between the upper and lower sets of teeth—can also be a cause of crooked jaw. Many factors can causecrooked teeth, including:
Types of MisalignmentMinor misalignment of the teeth is very common; in fact, almost everybody has at least some imperfection. However, most cases are minor and asymptomatic. Malocclusion is divided into three categories:Class I (normal molar relationship): Your bite is correct, but there may be other alignment issues such as crowding, spacing, rotated teeth, or anterior open bite.Class II:Frequently termed overbite, the upper set of teeth significantly overlaps the lower one.Class III: When the lower set of teeth are pushed forward and protrude in front of the upper set, you have type 3, also known as underbite.
Types of Misalignment
Minor misalignment of the teeth is very common; in fact, almost everybody has at least some imperfection. However, most cases are minor and asymptomatic. Malocclusion is divided into three categories:Class I (normal molar relationship): Your bite is correct, but there may be other alignment issues such as crowding, spacing, rotated teeth, or anterior open bite.Class II:Frequently termed overbite, the upper set of teeth significantly overlaps the lower one.Class III: When the lower set of teeth are pushed forward and protrude in front of the upper set, you have type 3, also known as underbite.
Minor misalignment of the teeth is very common; in fact, almost everybody has at least some imperfection. However, most cases are minor and asymptomatic. Malocclusion is divided into three categories:
Uneven Jaw Symptoms
Depending on how severe it is, an uneven jaw can significantly impact the health of your gums, the muscles and ligaments of the TMJ, jaw bones, and teeth. The chief symptoms of a crooked jaw include:
Additionally, a crooked jaw can affect the appearance of your face, leading to:
Lastly, a crooked jaw can cause a range of dental issues, including:
Is it Bad to Have a Crooked Jaw?When jaw misalignment is minor, people may be asymptomatic.More severe cases of crooked jaw affect your ability to talk, chew, drink, and breathe. These conditions can impact physical appearance, damage teeth and gums, affect sleep, and cause mental health issues, such as a lack of confidence and low self-esteem.Malocclusions that affect speech can impact a child’s learning and development. If you’re experiencing symptoms of misalignment, you should seek medical care.
Is it Bad to Have a Crooked Jaw?
When jaw misalignment is minor, people may be asymptomatic.More severe cases of crooked jaw affect your ability to talk, chew, drink, and breathe. These conditions can impact physical appearance, damage teeth and gums, affect sleep, and cause mental health issues, such as a lack of confidence and low self-esteem.Malocclusions that affect speech can impact a child’s learning and development. If you’re experiencing symptoms of misalignment, you should seek medical care.
When jaw misalignment is minor, people may be asymptomatic.
More severe cases of crooked jaw affect your ability to talk, chew, drink, and breathe. These conditions can impact physical appearance, damage teeth and gums, affect sleep, and cause mental health issues, such as a lack of confidence and low self-esteem.
Malocclusions that affect speech can impact a child’s learning and development. If you’re experiencing symptoms of misalignment, you should seek medical care.
How Is a Crooked Jaw Diagnosed?
The first step in getting a diagnosis is typically being referred to an orthodontist. They will examine your teeth, mouth, and head, and check to see if your mouth opens and closes properly.
The orthodontist will usually take X-rays and make models of your teeth.
Treatment will then be planned based on the teeth models and X-rays. In some cases, you may also be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor for additional evaluation.
Treating a Crooked Jaw
While minor misalignments of the jaw may not require special treatment, symptomatic and more severe cases do. The options range from surgery in the most severe cases, to the use of orthodontic appliances and working to manage pain and other symptoms.
Surgery
Generally reserved for more severe and advanced cases, surgery to correct an uneven jaw is calledorthognathicsurgery. This surgery aims to reshape the upper or lower jaw to properly line everything up. Several types of surgery are considered:
Dental Appliances
In cases where the uneven jaw is due to malocclusion, orthodontics and wearingdental appliancescan help correct the issue. Orthodontic treatment generally follows after acute TMD symptoms have been managed.
Over time—typically 18 months to two years—the pressure put on the teeth and jaw promotes a healthier alignment. These approaches may include:
Sometimes braces are used as an initial treatment to correct the upper or lower jaw and then surgery is done afterwards. Dentists may also consider reshaping and resurfacing teeth to help correct the bite. In some cases, surgery to remove certain teeth can help with crowding.
Pain Management
Taking on the pain and inflammation associated with crooked jaw, especially when there’s a TMJ disorder, can be another important aspect of treating the condition. Some techniques can help you to treat symptoms of an uneven jaw naturally.
A range of methods—everything frommaking lifestyle changesto alternative therapies—can help:
In difficult-to-manage and severe cases of TMJ pain, additional procedures to consider include:
Can a Chiropractor Realign Your Jaw?There is limited research on the effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation in treating TMJ disorders. A 2020 review of six studies concluded all studies showed a significant improvement in pain and maximum mouth opening after Cranio-Mandibular Manual Therapy (CMMT), but only two studies showed CMMT was more effective than other interventions.The authors also noted study sample sizes were small and more research is needed.
Can a Chiropractor Realign Your Jaw?
There is limited research on the effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation in treating TMJ disorders. A 2020 review of six studies concluded all studies showed a significant improvement in pain and maximum mouth opening after Cranio-Mandibular Manual Therapy (CMMT), but only two studies showed CMMT was more effective than other interventions.The authors also noted study sample sizes were small and more research is needed.
Summary
Uneven jaw occurs when the upper jaw, or maxilla, does not properly line up with the lower jaw, or mandible. This can be due to a range of factors, including misalignment of the teeth, disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connecting these bones, or trauma, as well as birth defects.
Depending on severity, this condition causes pain in the temples and jaw, ear popping, and problems chewing or swallowing. It can also lead to tooth decay and loss and have a mental health impact.
Treatments for crooked jaw include wearing dental appliances, certain surgeries, as well as management of the associated inflammation and pain.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kazimierczak N, Kazimierczak W, Serafin Z, Nowicki P, Jankowski T, Jankowska A,et al.Skeletal facial asymmetry: reliability of manual and artificial intelligence-driven analysis.Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2024 Jan 11;53(1):52-59. doi:10.1093/dmfr/twad006Elstad E, Bocell FD, Owens TC, Logan D, Melluso E, Viscione C,et al.Focus Groups to Inform the Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs).Patient. 2023 May;16(3):265-276. doi:10.1007/s40271-023-00618-xJohns Hopkins Medicine.Temporomandibular disorder (TMD).MedlinePlus.Fracture.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Hemifacial microsomia.Kaiser JK, Kamble RH, Nambiar K, Nerurkar S, Suchak D.Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Management of Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.Cureus. 2024 Jan 20;16(1):e52643. doi:10.7759/cureus.52643.MedlinePlus.Malocclusion of teeth.National Library of Medicine.Misaligned teeth and jaws: overview.UCSF Health.Jaw deformity.Oral Health Foundation.Jaw problems and headaches.Isci KD, Bayar Muluk N, Gungor E, Cingi C.Preventive Measures for Safer Orthognathic Surgery: Key Points.Ear Nose Throat J. 2024 Nov;103(3_suppl):99S-105S. doi:10.1177/01455613241266747Penn Medicine.TMJ pain relief: 8 best practices to help manage temporomandibular joint disorders.Wu JY, Zhang C, Xu YP, et al.Acupuncture therapy in the management of the clinical outcomes for temporomandibular disorders: a PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis.Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(9):e6064. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000006064Asquini G, Pitance L, Michelotti A, Falla D.Effectiveness of manual therapy applied to craniomandibular structures in temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review. J Oral Rehabil. 2022 Apr;49(4):442-455. doi: 10.1111/joor.13299
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kazimierczak N, Kazimierczak W, Serafin Z, Nowicki P, Jankowski T, Jankowska A,et al.Skeletal facial asymmetry: reliability of manual and artificial intelligence-driven analysis.Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2024 Jan 11;53(1):52-59. doi:10.1093/dmfr/twad006Elstad E, Bocell FD, Owens TC, Logan D, Melluso E, Viscione C,et al.Focus Groups to Inform the Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs).Patient. 2023 May;16(3):265-276. doi:10.1007/s40271-023-00618-xJohns Hopkins Medicine.Temporomandibular disorder (TMD).MedlinePlus.Fracture.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Hemifacial microsomia.Kaiser JK, Kamble RH, Nambiar K, Nerurkar S, Suchak D.Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Management of Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.Cureus. 2024 Jan 20;16(1):e52643. doi:10.7759/cureus.52643.MedlinePlus.Malocclusion of teeth.National Library of Medicine.Misaligned teeth and jaws: overview.UCSF Health.Jaw deformity.Oral Health Foundation.Jaw problems and headaches.Isci KD, Bayar Muluk N, Gungor E, Cingi C.Preventive Measures for Safer Orthognathic Surgery: Key Points.Ear Nose Throat J. 2024 Nov;103(3_suppl):99S-105S. doi:10.1177/01455613241266747Penn Medicine.TMJ pain relief: 8 best practices to help manage temporomandibular joint disorders.Wu JY, Zhang C, Xu YP, et al.Acupuncture therapy in the management of the clinical outcomes for temporomandibular disorders: a PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis.Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(9):e6064. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000006064Asquini G, Pitance L, Michelotti A, Falla D.Effectiveness of manual therapy applied to craniomandibular structures in temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review. J Oral Rehabil. 2022 Apr;49(4):442-455. doi: 10.1111/joor.13299
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kazimierczak N, Kazimierczak W, Serafin Z, Nowicki P, Jankowski T, Jankowska A,et al.Skeletal facial asymmetry: reliability of manual and artificial intelligence-driven analysis.Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2024 Jan 11;53(1):52-59. doi:10.1093/dmfr/twad006Elstad E, Bocell FD, Owens TC, Logan D, Melluso E, Viscione C,et al.Focus Groups to Inform the Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs).Patient. 2023 May;16(3):265-276. doi:10.1007/s40271-023-00618-xJohns Hopkins Medicine.Temporomandibular disorder (TMD).MedlinePlus.Fracture.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Hemifacial microsomia.Kaiser JK, Kamble RH, Nambiar K, Nerurkar S, Suchak D.Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Management of Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.Cureus. 2024 Jan 20;16(1):e52643. doi:10.7759/cureus.52643.MedlinePlus.Malocclusion of teeth.National Library of Medicine.Misaligned teeth and jaws: overview.UCSF Health.Jaw deformity.Oral Health Foundation.Jaw problems and headaches.Isci KD, Bayar Muluk N, Gungor E, Cingi C.Preventive Measures for Safer Orthognathic Surgery: Key Points.Ear Nose Throat J. 2024 Nov;103(3_suppl):99S-105S. doi:10.1177/01455613241266747Penn Medicine.TMJ pain relief: 8 best practices to help manage temporomandibular joint disorders.Wu JY, Zhang C, Xu YP, et al.Acupuncture therapy in the management of the clinical outcomes for temporomandibular disorders: a PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis.Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(9):e6064. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000006064Asquini G, Pitance L, Michelotti A, Falla D.Effectiveness of manual therapy applied to craniomandibular structures in temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review. J Oral Rehabil. 2022 Apr;49(4):442-455. doi: 10.1111/joor.13299
Kazimierczak N, Kazimierczak W, Serafin Z, Nowicki P, Jankowski T, Jankowska A,et al.Skeletal facial asymmetry: reliability of manual and artificial intelligence-driven analysis.Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2024 Jan 11;53(1):52-59. doi:10.1093/dmfr/twad006
Elstad E, Bocell FD, Owens TC, Logan D, Melluso E, Viscione C,et al.Focus Groups to Inform the Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs).Patient. 2023 May;16(3):265-276. doi:10.1007/s40271-023-00618-x
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
MedlinePlus.Fracture.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Hemifacial microsomia.
Kaiser JK, Kamble RH, Nambiar K, Nerurkar S, Suchak D.Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Management of Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.Cureus. 2024 Jan 20;16(1):e52643. doi:10.7759/cureus.52643.
MedlinePlus.Malocclusion of teeth.
National Library of Medicine.Misaligned teeth and jaws: overview.
UCSF Health.Jaw deformity.
Oral Health Foundation.Jaw problems and headaches.
Isci KD, Bayar Muluk N, Gungor E, Cingi C.Preventive Measures for Safer Orthognathic Surgery: Key Points.Ear Nose Throat J. 2024 Nov;103(3_suppl):99S-105S. doi:10.1177/01455613241266747
Penn Medicine.TMJ pain relief: 8 best practices to help manage temporomandibular joint disorders.
Wu JY, Zhang C, Xu YP, et al.Acupuncture therapy in the management of the clinical outcomes for temporomandibular disorders: a PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis.Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(9):e6064. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000006064
Asquini G, Pitance L, Michelotti A, Falla D.Effectiveness of manual therapy applied to craniomandibular structures in temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review. J Oral Rehabil. 2022 Apr;49(4):442-455. doi: 10.1111/joor.13299
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