What Causes an Uneven Jaw?
A jaw can look or feel uneven because of how the upper and lower jaws grew, because the bite pushes the lower jaw to one side, because of an old injury, or because of a problem in the jaw joints or chewing muscles. A small amount of facial asymmetry is normal, and most people have it. A dental examination can usually tell whether the cause is the teeth, the bite, the joints or the bone itself. When the cause is in the jaw bones, I refer to an orthodontist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Is some jaw asymmetry normal?
Yes. Very few faces are perfectly symmetrical, and a slight difference between the two sides of the jaw is common. What matters more is whether it's new or changing, whether your teeth meet comfortably, and whether you have pain or trouble chewing.
What can make a jaw uneven?
Jaw growth. The upper and lower jaws sometimes grow at different rates or by different amounts on each side. This tends to show up in childhood or the teenage years and can run in families. Some people are born with conditions that affect jaw growth.
The bite. If the teeth don't meet evenly, the lower jaw can shift to one side every time you close. A crossbite is a common example. Over time the shift can look like a crooked jaw even when the bones are fairly even.
An old injury. A jaw fracture that healed out of position, or an injury to the jaw joint in childhood, can change how the jaw grows or sits.
Jaw joint and muscle problems. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect the jaw joints and the muscles that move them. Arthritis in a jaw joint can gradually change how the jaw sits.
Muscle size. People who clench or grind heavily can develop larger chewing muscles, which may make one side of the face look fuller.
Swelling or a growth. Less often, a lump, swelling or change in the bone causes asymmetry. Any new swelling should be examined.
What symptoms can come with an uneven jaw?
Some people have no symptoms at all. Others notice:
Pain in the jaw joint, cheek or temple
Clicking or popping with pain
A jaw that feels tight or doesn't open fully
Teeth that don't fit together comfortably, or a bite that feels different
Uneven wear on the teeth
Clicking without pain is common and usually needs no treatment.
How is an uneven jaw evaluated?
I start by looking at how your teeth meet, how your jaw opens and closes, and how the joints and muscles feel. I'll ask when you first noticed the change and whether it's getting worse. Imaging helps when the question is about the bone or the joint.
That examination sorts most patients into one of a few groups:
The bite is the main cause. Orthodontic treatment may help, and I'll talk with you about whether that means an orthodontist or an option such as clear aligners.
The jaw bones grew unevenly. Correcting this usually means corrective jaw surgery planned by an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon together, with orthodontic treatment before and after. I refer for that evaluation.
The joints or muscles are the main problem. Most jaw joint and muscle problems improve with simple, reversible care. Treatments that permanently change the bite or the joint are usually not the first step.
Something needs prompt attention, such as a new swelling. I'll arrange the right referral.
What helps jaw pain in the meantime?
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research lists simple measures for jaw muscle and joint pain: softer foods, warm or cold packs, over-the-counter pain relievers used as the label directs, and avoiding wide yawns, gum chewing and other habits that strain the jaw. These can ease discomfort. They don't correct an uneven jaw, and they're not a substitute for an evaluation if pain lasts more than a couple of weeks. Check with your physician or pharmacist before taking a pain reliever if you have other health conditions or take other medicines.
Be cautious about devices or exercises that promise to reposition your jaw without an examination.
When should you be seen promptly?
Call a dentist or physician promptly if:
Your bite changed suddenly after a fall or blow to the face
You can't open or close your mouth fully
You have new swelling, numbness or a lump
Jaw pain comes with fever or trouble swallowing
Where can you have an uneven jaw checked in Jacksonville?
Our office is at 3675 Hendricks Avenue, near San Marco. Learn what happens during a comprehensive dental exam, read about tooth grinding and clenching, or contact the office at 904-398-1549 to arrange a visit.
Sources
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. TMD (temporomandibular disorders). Retrieved 2026-10-06.
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Corrective jaw surgery. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.