Prognathism: Types, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments

What is Prognathism?

Prognathism is a condition where your jaw protrudes outward, which can be your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. It is also known as the extended chin or Habsburg jaw. Your jaw seems to be misaligned or protruding if you have a prognathic jaw. A prognathic face may appear angry all the time due to jaw deformity. Parents can identify this condition in their kids at an early age.

What Are The Types of Prognathism?

There are 3 types of prognathism. They are as follows:-

1. Mandibular Prognathism

Mandibular prognathism is a condition where the lower jaw protrudes further forward than the upper jaw.

2. Maxillary Prognathism

Maxillary prognathism is a condition where the upper jaw protrudes further forward than the lower jaw.

3. Bimaxillary Prognathism

Bimaxillary prognathism is a condition where both the upper and lower jaws protrude forward beyond the standard facial plane.

Maxillary Prognathism vs. Mandibular Prognathism

Although all 3 types of prognathism ultimately leave you with a prognathic face, they affect different parts of your jaw. However, people often get confused between maxillary prognathism and mandibular prognathism. Maxillary prognathism makes your upper jaw extend out of the face. Whereas mandibular prognathism gives you a prognathic lower jaw. That means your lower or bottom jaw sticks out of your face.

On the other hand, the bimaxillary prognathism makes the upper and lower jaws protrude further than the face.

What are the Symptoms of prognathism?

You should take yourself or your kid to the orthodontist when you notice these symptoms:-

• Forward-protruding jaw – The lower jaw (or upper jaw, depending on type) sticks out more than normal.
• Underbite – The lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when biting.
• Difficulty chewing – Misaligned jaws make it hard to bite or grind food properly.
• Speech issues – Some people develop lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
• Jaw pain or discomfort – Strain on the jaw joint (TMJ) can cause pain, clicking, or stiffness.
• Worn-down teeth – Misaligned bite causes uneven pressure, leading to faster wearing of teeth.
• Changes in facial appearance – A prominent chin or altered facial profile due to jaw position.
• Breathing difficulties – In some cases, jaw misalignment can affect airflow.
• Biting the cheeks or lips – Poor alignment increases accidental biting while eating or talking.
• Headaches – Muscle strain around the jaw and face can lead to frequent headaches.

What are the Causes of Prognathism & Their Treatment?

The treatment of prognathism depends mainly on its origin. The following are the 5 causes of prognathism and the suitable treatment for them:-

1. Acromegaly

Cause: Acromegaly leads to mandibular prognathism. That means you get a prognathic lower jaw. It is a kind of tumor that makes your body generate excessive growth hormones. As a result, the tissues of your jaw get enlarged.

Treatment: Prognathism caused due to acromegaly is typically treated with medicines. These medicines are supposed to stop the growth of the tumor. If medications are ineffective, the orthodontist can shrink it through radiation or perform corrective jaw surgery to remove it.

2. Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome

Cause: It is a rare hereditary syndrome, affecting 1 in 31000 people. Basal cell nevus syndrome doesn’t only cause prognathism. It can be responsible for other facial growth abnormalities like widely spaced eyes, the unusual shape of eyebrows, and a broad nose.

Treatment: The doctor will diagnose the abnormality in your facial structure due to basal cell nevus syndrome before suggesting appropriate treatment. But if you develop skin cancer, surgery is your only treatment option.

3. Acrodysostosis

Cause: Acrodysostosis is an extremely rare congenital bone condition that hampers bone growth. If you suffer from this condition, you might have short body parts like short arms, short legs, and a short upper jaw.

Treatment: This condition can be treated with nutritional supplements to some extent. Otherwise, surgery could be done.

4. Genetic Disorders

Cause: Excessive jaw growth is possible because of genetic disorders like Crouzon and Down syndrome. The Crouzon syndrome causes a premature fusion of your skull bones. And in Down syndrome, your body makes an extra chromosome that disrupts your body’s formation. Both these conditions are breeding grounds for prognathism.

Treatment: Genetic disorders are usually detected in childhood only. Therefore, the prognathism treatment can also start early in this case. But usually, genetic disorders are only treated with speech therapy and support group counseling.

5. Misaligned Teeth

Cause: It’s a vice versa scenario. Misaligned teeth can change the shape of the jaw, and a prognathic jaw can cause your teeth to grow abnormally. Therefore, it is essential to treat the misaligned teeth of your kids from the moment you spot them.

Treatment: There are various orthodontic treatments to cure misaligned teeth, such as braces, retainers, removal of overcrowding teeth, and surgery to reshape your jaw.

What to Expect in Your Visit to the Orthodontist

When you visit your orthodontist or healthcare provider for the analysis of your prognathic jaw, they will take the following steps to help you:-

• Perform a physical exam.
• Enquire about your medical history, such as:
  • Any family history of prognathism.
  • Visibility of misalignment in the jaw.
  • Difficulty in talking or eating.
  • Any other relevant symptoms.

Afterward, your healthcare provider will do any of the following diagnostic tests if needed:-

• Dental x-ray
• Skull x-ray
• Bite Imprints, taken with the help of a plaster mold

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 orthodontists and dental surgeons has the experience of successfully treating various prognathism cases. Contact us now for a free consultation.

FAQs: