Jaw treatments vary depending on whether the patient is suffering from myofascial pain dysfunction, internal derangement of the temporo-mandibular joint or a combination of both. On the whole treatment is aimed at trying to reduce the workload of the muscles so allowing the disc of cartilage to return to a normal position in the joint.

In some people, jaws do not grow at the same rate; one may be larger than the other, or simply not be aligned properly with other bony structures in the skull. This can cause problems other than appearance issues; an improperly aligned jaw can cause problems with the tongue and lips, and speech as well as chewing problems.

In addition to correcting jaw problems surgically, orthodontics may be needed to restore bite relationship and ensure continued, proper alignment of the jaw.

In some cases, small “fixation” screws or plates may need to be inserted in the jaws to facilitate easy movement of the jaws following surgery.

Jaw Surgery is only carried out in a small number of cases. This can involve manipulation of the joint whilst the patient is asleep or more rarely surgery carried out with a mini telescope. In extreme cases it may be necessary to open the joint and operate on the bones, cartilages and ligaments.  Wherever possible, treatment is carried out conservatively and patients are only referred in extreme cases.

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