TMJ disorders can physically alter the face by causing jaw misalignment and leading to potentially asymmetrical features.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, which affect the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, can manifest in ways that visibly impact the face. Physically, TMJ disorders can lead to a misaligned jaw, resulting in an uneven bite and potentially asymmetrical facial features.
Physical Changes and Asymmetry
The imbalance caused by TMJ disorders can lead to noticeable changes in facial structure and appearance. The misalignment in jaw alignment may cause changes in the shape of the face. These changes can range from subtle to more apparent alterations, contributing to facial asymmetry.
Specific ways TMJ disorders can affect the face, as a result of jaw misalignment, include:
- An uneven bite pattern
- Potentially asymmetrical facial features
- Changes in the overall shape of the face
- Examples such as a shifted chin
- Examples such as a visibly crooked smile
These physical effects stem directly from the dysfunction of the jaw joint and its impact on the surrounding bone and muscle structure.
