13
Feb
Does TMJ/TMD cause face distortion and asymmetry?
TMJ disorder, sometimes referred to by doctors as TMD, is a condition that can impact the jaw area. The TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, is the specific jaw joint that essentially “hinges” both the upper and lower jaw and allows patients to open and close their mouths, yawn, talk, and eat. However, there are times when the bite may be misaligned, or the TMJ begins to malfunction, in which patients are diagnosed with a TMJ disorder.Â
This condition can cause a myriad of issues in the mouth and surrounding areas, including jaw pain, tooth damage, ear pain, tinnitus, vertigo, and even pain down through the neck and shoulders. Working with a dentist to realign the bite can help some patients, but for others, it can cause more issues–including facial asymmetry. Dr. Derek Steinbacher of Guilford, Connecticut, can help with surgical approaches. ***Frequently unequal growth of your TMJs can lead to significant facial asymmetry. Â
What is facial asymmetry surgery?
Individuals with facial asymmetry and facial distortion from TMJ disorder (Condylar hyperplasia) may seek solutions to resolve this and improve their overall appearance. An imbalanced facial appearance or a crooked grin may cause patients to feel self-conscious about how they look. TMJ facial asymmetry is often the cause of improper teeth alignment or poor jaw positioning.
What facial surgeries are available for TMJ disorder patients with facial asymmetry?
During an initial consultation appointment with Dr. Derek Steinbacher, patients will have a series of X-rays and evaluations performed to determine if they could benefit from surgery. Then, solutions such as shaving of the top of the TMJ, genioplasty surgery, and orthognathic surgery may be discussed as solutions to resolve the issue at hand. Facial fat grafting and/or facial bone implants may also be needed to optimize the facial symmetry and aesthetic outcome. Â
TMJ condylar hyperplasia can be actively growing – which will progressively worsen the facial asymmeyt. Seeing a specialist like Dr. STeinbacher who is highly trained to deal with TMJ, maxillofacial, and facial plastic conditions, is the best choice to get to the bottom of the condition and have you properly treated. By correcting the Jaw overgrowth, it also helps eliminate any associated TMJ pain present. Â
Our team of professionals works directly with patients to help them with a wide range of imperfections. Our plastic and aesthetic surgeon offers solutions for patients dealing with facial distortion caused by TMJ disorders, and condylar hyperplasia.
Dr. Derek Steinbacher sees patients every week from all over the world, North America and the northeast (Boston, Connecticut, and New York areas). To discuss your options for facial asymmetry surgery, call (203) 453-6635 to request an appointment at 5 Durham Road, Suite 1-8.
Dr. Derek Steinbacher has devoted his life to
aesthetic and life-changing surgery. He is an artistic and meticulous surgeon who draws patients
from around the world due to his perspective, unmatched skill, and exceptional results. He is able
to uniquely address the face (facelift +
rejuvenation), jawline (orthognathic; chin; contouring; implants), nasal (rhinoplasty), eyelids, profile, neck, breast, and body with
one-of-a-kind results.
He is a multiple Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Plastic, Cosmetic, and Cranio-Maxillofacial
Surgeon. He is Fellow of the most prestigious surgical organizations, including the Society of
Plastic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the
Academy of Facial
Plastic Surgery, Societies of Craniofacial and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Aesthetic
Society, and the Rhinoplasty Society. He has served as Full-Professor
of Plastic Surgery at Yale, including Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Program, and Chief of
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Steinbacher has unparalleled training at premier institutions,
including Harvard
and Johns Hopkins. His
perspective brings together the best aspects of many distinct – but related fields – and it is this
intersection of scope and expertise, in addition to an artistic eye, which enables excellent
comprehensive results.
Dr. Steinbacher's approach: technical acumen, meticulousness, and penchant for combining art and
science, together with his eye for balance, beauty, and harmony, helps achieve outcomes that greatly
improve a person's confidence, health, and overall quality of life. Patients can trust that they are
always in good hands!