The Relationship Between the Cranium, Face and Jaw

The cranium, the facial bones, and the jaw are often discussed as if they were separate systems. Anatomically, they aren’t. They’re directly connected, mechanically and neurologically, and problems in one area often show up as findings in another.

Direct structural connections

The facial bones attach directly to the cranial vault at multiple sutures. The jaw articulates with the temporal bone, one of the cranial vault bones. Muscles of chewing and facial expression span across cranial and facial structures rather than staying within one or the other.

Why this matters for TMJ and facial concerns

Because of these connections, a restriction or asymmetry in the cranium can be relevant to jaw findings, and vice versa. That’s one reason I evaluate the whole cranial-facial system rather than examining the jaw in isolation when a patient comes in with jaw-related concerns.

Dental and orthodontic considerations

Dental work — including orthodontics and retainers — can influence jaw position and function, which in turn can be relevant to cranial and facial findings. I ask about dental history for this reason, and I sometimes coordinate with a patient’s dentist or orthodontist when that’s appropriate.