How Do I Know If I Need Jaw Surgery?
Many people wonder whether their jaw issues are serious enough for surgery. Here is how to tell.
Knowing if you need jaw surgery starts with recognizing the signs. Here are the most common indicators that surgery may be recommended.
- Signs you may need jaw surgery:
- Your front teeth do not touch when you bite together (open bite)
- Your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth (underbite)
- You cannot comfortably fit your lips together without straining
- You have difficulty chewing food thoroughly
- Your jaw makes clicking or popping sounds with pain
- You snore loudly or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea
- Your face looks visibly asymmetrical
- You avoid smiling because of your jaw or teeth alignment
- You have speech problems related to your jaw position
- Your teeth are wearing unevenly from a bad bite
The Diagnostic Process
- To determine if you need surgery, your dentist or orthodontist will:
- Take panoramic X-rays and cephalometric X-rays
- Take photographs of your face and teeth
- Make impressions or 3D scans of your teeth
- Refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for evaluation
- If you experience any of the following, schedule a consultation:
- Pain or difficulty when chewing
- Speech problems you think may be jaw-related
- Sleep apnea symptoms (loud snoring, gasping at night, daytime fatigue)
- You are unhappy with your facial profile and it affects your confidence
- Your orthodontist has suggested surgery is needed
When to Take Action
Clinical Guidance
Common signs you may need jaw surgery include difficulty chewing, an underbite or overbite that braces cannot fix, sleep apnea, jaw pain, facial asymmetry, and speech problems. A consultation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon will provide a definitive answer.