Have you ever considered how your teeth, mouth, and jaw work together to make you look like you? Well, it’s true; your facial symmetry balances your features, so when something isn’t aligned or functioning properly, or if it’s missing, this delicate balance can be thrown off.
That’s why your jaw needs to be properly aligned and have a complete set of healthy teeth. So, how can jaw misalignment impact smile esthetics and facial balance? Keep reading to learn more.
Missing Teeth Can Change Your Smile
Everyone knows that a complete set of straight teeth makes you look good and feel good. When you’re missing teeth, it can affect your appearance, but it also wreaks havoc on your self-confidence and makes eating and speaking more difficult.
However, missing teeth affect jaw health as well. When you have gaps in your smile, you begin to lose valuable bone density in your jaw, resulting in problems with your facial balance. Remember, your teeth and your jaw are directly related, and your teeth are responsible for:
- Supporting your jaw alignment
- Maintaining your facial balance
- Preventing bone atrophy
- Preserving your lip shape
- Keeping your face from sagging and shriveling
A Misaligned Jaw Can Cause Facial Imbalance
Because your teeth and jaw work together to create facial symmetry, when your jaw is misaligned, it can cause issues with your smile and facial appearance. If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from bruxism, this frequent tooth grinding can lead to facial imbalance.
Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your skull to your jawbone. It acts like a sliding hinge, but when it isn’t functioning correctly, it can cause your bite to be uneven.
When this happens, it could result in asymmetrical facial features, including changes in the shape of your face, a shifted chin, and a crooked smile.
Questions about Jaw Misalignment in Long Beach, CA?
You've come to the right place if you need more information about the connection between your jaw alignment and your smile! At Golden Coast Dental Care, we care about every part of your smile and want to help you achieve the best oral health possible. You can reach our dental office to schedule a consultation by calling (562) 421-8401.