I have an underdeveloped jaw?!
Question: I have an underdeveloped jaw?
I knew there was something odd about it because it looks weird.
I am about to get braces and I also heard that they help move the jaw. Will it help?
Also, is there also any way to stimulate jaw growth?
Answers:
Generally, it is felt that orthodontic therapy (such as braces) is not specifically related to damage or problems with the jaw. An over/under bite could cause the "appearance" of an underdeveloped jaw, and in that case, straightening of the teeth may provide some visible correction.
If you actually do have an underdeveloped lower jaw, it is important to begin orthodontic treatment several years before the lower jaw ceases to grow. The jaw will stop growing once the growth hormones that stimulate the epiphyseal growth plates are no longer being released into the body. At age 14, you are in a prime position, puberty-wise, to begin treatment.
One method of correcting an underdeveloped jaw uses an orthodontic appliance that repositions the lower jaw. These appliances influence the jaw muscles to work in a way that may improve forward development of the lower jaw. There are many appliances used by orthodontists today to treat underdeveloped lower jaws - such as the Frankel, headgears, Activator, Twin Block, bionator and Herbst appliances. Some are fixed (cemented to the teeth) and some are removable.
You should have a talk with your parents and your orthodontist about your concerns, and possibly discuss some of these options.
Orthodontist.
your jaw will continue to grow into young adulthood. orthodontic surgeons prefer to wait until you are about 20 years old to perform jaw surgery for males, earlier for females because the jaw may grow more. there's nothing you can really do to make your jaw grow any faster or larger. its genetics and development. but don't worry.. it could still fill out, you're young yet. go see your orthodontist and ask more questions
Expansion appliances will develop upper and lower jaws that have not grown to their full genetic potential. Braces are not strong enough to do this; braces only move teeth and will only minimally increase jaw width. Jaw surgery should not even be considered an option since much more conservative methods are available.
functional orthodontist