Where do I start?

[MikeBean]

Hi all, sorry if this has been asked before.

I'm very unhappy with my jaw shape, been told in the past by an ortho that I have an underdeveloped jaw and have issues with cracking/grinding/tired jaw. I want to start the process of getting something done about it but I don't know where to start.

I'd first like to find out what's going on with my jaw, i.e. what's my bite like? Is my mandible/maxilla really underdeveloped? If so how so? etc Would I see a regular dentist to determine these things, or an ortho or a maxillofacial surgeon?

Thanks

Edit - Also if I post pics here should I have my jaw relaxed or clenched?

[PloskoPlus]

Hi all, sorry if this has been asked before.

I'm very unhappy with my jaw shape, been told in the past by an ortho that I have an underdeveloped jaw and have issues with cracking/grinding/tired jaw. I want to start the process of getting something done about it but I don't know where to start.

I'd first like to find out what's going on with my jaw, i.e. what's my bite like? Is my mandible/maxilla really underdeveloped? If so how so? etc Would I see a regular dentist to determine these things, or an ortho or a maxillofacial surgeon?

Thanks

Edit - Also if I post pics here should I have my jaw relaxed or clenched?

See a max fac who does a lot of orthognathic surgeries. There aren't many of those.  Most just pull wisdom teeth and do dental implants.

[chinnychinchin]

Hi all, sorry if this has been asked before.

I'm very unhappy with my jaw shape, been told in the past by an ortho that I have an underdeveloped jaw and have issues with cracking/grinding/tired jaw. I want to start the process of getting something done about it but I don't know where to start.

I'd first like to find out what's going on with my jaw, i.e. what's my bite like? Is my mandible/maxilla really underdeveloped? If so how so? etc Would I see a regular dentist to determine these things, or an ortho or a maxillofacial surgeon?

Thanks

Edit - Also if I post pics here should I have my jaw relaxed or clenched?

Your jaw should always be in a relaxed position. For those of us with recessed jaws, we're used to protruding the sensation of protruding our jaws forward but it is actually quite bad for your joints.

[Gregor Samsa]

Where do you live? In countries with universal healthcare you might need a referral to get to see a maxfac surgeon while in others you can just book a consultation right away.

[MikeBean]

Thanks for the answers, I need to see a dentist for a check up soon anyway so I plan to ask what (s)he thinks of my jaw in general (malocclusions, TMJ, etc) and then see a maxfac in a few months (probably Paul Johnson) after some more research. In the meantime I might post some pics to get your opinions.

[mouth]

Maybe go back to your ortho since he/she picked up problem. Could suggest someone who ortho has seen results of their work. It is important to have a good surgeon.  They usually have a relationship since it requires each does their part. By the way are u using a night guard for grinding?