Is there a way to fix a crooked mouth?

Question

My mouth looks fine when it is at rest. However, when I smile or talk, it looks like I have facial palsy. One side doesn't move while the other side does. All joking aside, I talk out of one side of my mouth only. I am very self-conscious about it. I have watched myself when I have skyped with people and I hate what I see. I didn't always have this problem. It seems like it gets progressively worse over time. Is this a dental or maxillofacial? What might be done to correct it.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

It sounds like you may have Bell's Palsy, which is believed to due to a pathology involving the facial nerve.  It can permanent or temporary, but in over 90% of cases, it is temporary and self-limiting.  It is most commonly due to an inflammatory process that is putting pressure on the facial nerve.  This condition is often resolved by simply taking corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation and alleviate the pressure on the nerve.  It is important to see your primary care doctor or a cosmetic dentist to receive corticosteroids to limit this condition very soon, because prolonged pressure on any nerve can cause irreversible damage to the nerve and ultimate death of nerve tissue, which would leave you with permanent Bell's palsy.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Michael Tam, BDS · Answer

There actually is a
chance that this is neuromuscular. However, if it is not, you may want to
discuss treatment with an orthodontist that is teamed up with an oral surgeon.
Together, they could help determine what type of treatment is necessary to
manipulate anatomical bone structure so that your smile looks straighter.

Frank Celenza, DDS, PC · Answer

You should consider seeing a neurologist.  This is a frequent sequelae of Bell's Palsy, but I'm not saying that's what you've got.  I'd start there.

Is there a way to fix a crooked mouth?

Answers (3)