Jaw Position Correction

The Foundation of Harmony: Jaw Position Correction

True facial harmony is defined not only by the beauty of a smile but also by the proper balance and position of the jaws. An incorrect jaw position is not just an aesthetic flaw; it is the root of many orthodontic problems affecting the bite, chewing function, and even breathing. My task as a specialist is to find and implement the optimal path to restore this balance.

How can orthodontics change jaw position?

The approach to correction directly depends on the patient's age and the severity of the anomaly. There are two main paths:

1. Orthodontic (for growing patients): In childhood and adolescence, while active growth is occurring, we can influence jaw development. Using special functional appliances (such as the Twin Block or Herbst appliance), we can stimulate or restrain the growth of one of the jaws, guiding it into the correct position.

2. Orthodontic-Surgical (for adults): Once bone growth is complete, the jaw position can only be changed with orthognathic surgery. This is a combined treatment where I, as an orthodontist, prepare the dental arches, and a maxillofacial surgeon moves the jaws to a new, correct position.

What problems does jaw position correction solve?

Working with the jaw position allows us to solve the most complex problems and achieve dramatic improvements:

• Correction of a distal bite (a small, recessed lower jaw).

• Correction of a mesial bite (a protruding lower jaw).

• Elimination of facial and chin asymmetry.

• Improvement of the facial profile and harmonization of features.

Can I avoid surgery if I am an adult?

In some cases, with less pronounced skeletal anomalies, we can resort to orthodontic camouflage—changing the inclination of the teeth to visually conceal the jaw discrepancy. This is a compromise solution that improves the aesthetics of the smile but does not change the position of the bones. The feasibility of such treatment is determined only after a thorough diagnosis.