Prognathism is a condition in which the jaw is misaligned. It’s also known as the Habsburg jaw or expanded chin. If you have a prognathic jaw, it seems to be crooked or projecting. Due to jaw malformation, a prognathic face may appear angry all of the time. This is a condition that parents can detect in their children at a young age.
The goal of this article is to thoroughly explain the following:-
- Prognathism can come in a variety of forms.
- Prognathism has a variety of reasons.
- Treatment for Prognathism
- When to visit our Eugene Dentist & what to expect in the Visit
Prognathism comes in a variety of forms
There are three different forms of prognathism. The following are some of them:-
Mandibular Prognathism
Maxillary Prognathism
Bimaxillary Prognathism
Maxillary Prognathism vs. Mandibular Prognathism
While all three kinds of prognathism result in a prognathic face, they affect distinct areas of the jaw. However, many people confuse maxillary prognathism with mandibular prognathism. Maxillary prognathism is a condition in which the upper jaw protrudes from the face. Mandibular prognathism, on the other hand, results in a prognathic lower jaw. This indicates that your lower or bottom jaw protrudes from your face.
Bimaxillary prognathism, on the other hand, causes the upper and lower jaws to protrude further than the face.
Prognathism: What Causes It and How to Treat It
Treatment for prognathism is mostly determined by its cause. The following are the five mandibular prognathism causes and how to treat them:
Acromegaly
Mandibular prognathism is caused by acromegaly. This results in a lower jaw that is prognathic. It’s a type of tumour that causes your body to produce too many growth hormones. The tissues of your jaw enlarge as a result.
Acromegaly-related prognathism is usually treated with medication. These drugs are designed to halt the tumour from growing. If drugs don’t work, the Dentist can use radiation to reduce it or corrective jaw surgery to remove it.
Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome
It’s an uncommon inherited condition that affects one in every 31000 people. Prognathism is not the only symptom of basal cell nevus syndrome. Other facial growth abnormalities, such as far-apart eyes, unique brow shape, and a large nose, may be caused by it.
Before recommending treatment, the doctor will diagnose the anomaly in your facial structure caused by basal cell nevus syndrome. However, if you acquire skin cancer, surgery is your sole option for therapy.
Acrodysostosis
Acrodysostosis is a very uncommon congenital bone disorder that prevents bone growth. Short bodily parts, such as short arms, short legs, and a short upper jaw, may be symptoms of this disorder.
Nutritional supplements can help with this illness to some extent. Otherwise, surgery may be required.
Disorders of the Gene
Genetic diseases such as Crouzon and Down syndrome can induce excessive jaw growth. The Crouzon syndrome causes the bones of your skull to fuse prematurely. In Down syndrome, your body produces an extra chromosome, which causes your body’s formation to be disrupted. Both of these situations are conducive to prognathism.
The majority of genetic diseases are discovered in childhood. As a result, prognathism treatment can begin early in this scenario. Genetic diseases, on the other hand, are typically addressed only with speech therapy and support group counselling.
Misaligned Teeth
It’s a case of the opposite being true. The contour of your jaw can be altered by misaligned teeth, and a prognathic jaw can lead your teeth to develop unnaturally. As a result, it’s critical to address your child’s misaligned teeth as soon as you notice them. Braces, retainers, removal of overcrowding teeth, and surgery to remodel your jaw are some of the orthodontic procedures available to correct misaligned teeth.
It’s Time to See a Doctor
When you see these systems, you should take yourself or your child to the orthodontist:-
- An anomaly in the shape of the upper or lower jaw that is visible.
- Breathing, talking, eating, and chewing are all difficult.
- Teeth misalignment: An overbite or an underbite are two different types of bites.
- Any of the underlying health issues discussed earlier in this article as possible prognathism causes.
What to Expect During Your Dentist Consultation
When you go to your Dentist or healthcare provider for a prognathic jaw study, they will do the following to assist you:-
- Conduct a physical examination.
- Inquire about your medical history, such as any prognathism in your family.
- Misalignment of the jaw is visible.
- Talking and eating become difficult.
- Any other symptoms that are relevant.
If necessary, your healthcare professional will do one or more of the following diagnostic tests:-
- Dental x-ray
- Skull x-ray
- Bite Imprints
Wrapping up
Depending on your condition, you can get partial or complete relief from the complications of the prognathic jaw. However, the treatment of prognathism takes time and patience. You may also need the help of an oral surgeon to realign your jaw.
Our team of expert dental surgeons have the experience of successfully treating various prognathism cases. Contact us now for a free consultation.