Will I need jaw surgery or braces?

[Reddy4445]

I have been cracking my jaw since the 6th grade every single day atleast 3 times. Is this detrimental to my jaw? Also is it a sign I need surgery or braces of some sort? I also have never had jaw pain in my life and I have an overbite. What are your thoughts and should I stop cracking? Thanks for any help.

[Reddy4445]

I'm also 18 btw so i have been cracking for 7 years

[Reddy4445]

Can anyone help?

[Icy]

Can anyone help?

When you say you have been cracking your jaw do you mean that it cracks? Under what circumstances? How wide can you open your mouth? I ask this because I didn't have any pain until my late teens during my orthodontic treatment, but I had cracking whenever I chewed or opened my mouth or put any stress on my TMJ. It will likely get worse if you don't do anything about it, and can lead to worsening asymmetry if one joint takes more stress than the other, someone correct me if I am wrong? It seems that sometimes surgery can help it, but what I've read has been conflicting so it's hard to say without any pictures or other information. You should probably consult with a doctor.