Mandibular anatomy: When you open wide the condylar head and coronoid process protrude. If there is dissimilarity, the cause may be muscular, skeletal, or even a cyst/abscess. Your dentist can take a relatively simple x-ray (panoramic, or cb-ct scan if needed) to help you determine whether your complaint is a variation of normal or a problem that can cause future concerns.
Answered 3/22/2015
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TMJ : Your description sounds like the condyle (part of the lower jaw that is part of the TMJ apparatus) may not be moving smoothly. If your lower jaw deviates from a straight line when opening, it would suggest a TMJ disorder, which could be from a number of different causes. Whether or not any treatment is indicated or not depends on you and any additional symptoms.
Answered 6/10/2014
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