There are several situations and disorders that may affect people’s bite and the harmony of their smile and face. Mandibular prognathism is considered one of these alterations. What’s it? What are its essential causes?
This can be a condition that’s characterised by the presence of a lower jaw that’s too large or too far forward in relation to the upper jaw. The jaw protrudes and affects occlusion and facial aesthetics. We’ll let you know more about it in this text.
What’s mandibular prognathism?
The word “prognathism” comes from the Greek “pro,” which suggests “forward,” and “gnaths” which suggests “jaw.” This disorder can also be often known as “skeletal class III malocclusion.”
As we already told you, it’s the extension or protrusion of the lower jaw forward. This protrusion causes the chin to protrude excessively and noticeably on the face. Often, that is attributable to excessive growth of the lower jaw.
Nevertheless, it might even be attributable to the shortage of development of the upper bone that’s situated far behind. Thus, the upper and lower teeth cannot relate properly.
The causes of mandibular prognathism
Probably the most common origin of mandibular prognathism is generally genetic and hereditary. It’s common for people born with a bigger lower jaw to have relatives with the identical problem.
Due to this fact, if there’s a family history, it’s essential to take children to the dentist and orthodontist at an early age. In this fashion, it is going to be possible to detect the issue so as to address it early.
In any case, some external situations may favor the looks of this condition. Premature lack of milk teeth is an example. Tonsil or adenoid hypertrophy and mouth respiration are other aspects that increase the probabilities of prognathism.
Sometimes it might even be a symptom of other systemic diseases. Acromegalyfor instance, is a disorder wherein there’s excessive growth hormone production and the jaw is generally larger.
Individuals with Down syndrome and other rarer disorders, akin to Crouzon syndrome, Nevus syndrome, and conditions akin to acrodysostosis also often have prognathism.
The symptoms of mandibular prognathism
Probably the most notable feature of this condition is a protruding chin. Nevertheless, this disorder generates several other symptoms, akin to the next:
- Malocclusion: The wrong relationship of the jaws to one another affects the bite and the position of the teeth within the mouth. The teeth of the lower arch close outside and in front of the upper teeth. Sometimes, an open bite could be generated when the person fails to shut their jaw appropriately.
- An alteration of oral functions: An individual with mandibular prognathism often has problems when biting, chewing, eating, and speaking. Diction problems, akin to lisping, are inclined to be frequent.
- Problems within the temporomandibular joint.
- Frequent headaches.
- Aesthetic problems: A pronounced chin could be an aesthetic inconvenience for some individuals who don’t feel comfortable with its appearance. This will result in feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, and difficulties regarding others.
How is mandibular prognathism diagnosed?
The diagnosis of mandibular prognathism is generally suspected by the dentist and confirmed by an orthodontist. When the overall dentist discovers signs of this condition, he/she makes an referral to the specialist for the resolution of the issue.
The physical examination and the clinical history data – akin to family history and certain oral habits – are essential when arriving on the diagnosis. Nevertheless, other resources are also needed to assist the skilled confirm the diagnosis.
Dental and cranial radiographs, akin to orthopantomography and cephalometrycontribute to the study of the issue. Intra- and extra-oral photographs also provide beneficial information.
Bite impressions and obtaining a study solid complete the diagnostic process. The practitioner can plan probably the most appropriate treatment for every individual patient from this.
If an underlying medical condition causes mandibular prognathism, the dentist will suggest timely treatment for that condition with the suitable specialist.
We predict you could also enjoy reading this text: The best way to Easily Whiten Your Teeth with Natural Products
How is it treated?
The therapeutic alternatives when addressing a skeletal class III occlusion problem rely upon the age of the patient. It’s not the identical to treat it in a baby or an adolescent – whose bones haven’t yet finished growing – as in an adult who’s already accomplished this formative process.
It’s less invasive and more conservative when treatment is carried out during childhood. As well as, it prevents the symptoms of this condition and its functional, aesthetic, and psychological effects from being prolonged over time.
Because of this, it’s advisable to take children to a pediatric dentist from the primary yr of life and to have a consultation with the orthodontist between 6 and seven years of age – and even earlier if the dentist suggests it – for an evaluation of the bite.
As soon as the primary signs are detected, starting treatment in childhood is far more useful. Nevertheless, you need to know that there are also therapeutic alternatives for adults. Here, we’ll let you know how the issue is generally solved in each age groups.
The treatment of mandibular prognathism in children
During childhood and adolescence, it’s possible to correct the increased growth of the jaws. At this stage, it’s possible to reap the benefits of the incontrovertible fact that bone formation remains to be lively. This promotes the advancement of the upper jaw or slows down the advancement of the lower jaw searching for a harmonious relationship.
Interceptive orthodonticsa procedure that acts on the expansion of the bony bases at a really early age, is used for this purpose. Within the case of mandibular prognathism, expander appliances are used to stimulate the event of the upper jaw.
Also, chin braces and orthodontic masks that decelerate the expansion of the jaw will likely be advisable. Once these procedures have been performed, it could be needed to complement with corrective orthodontic treatment to enhance dental alignment. When the bones are in the correct position, the malposition of the teeth is corrected to realize a very good bite.
We predict you could be occupied with reading this, too: Mouth Piercing Could Have Oral Health Consequences
The treatment of mandibular prognathism in adults
Within the case of adults, in whom bone growth has already finished and mandibular prognathism has already been established, the treatment is more complex. If that is your case, you shouldn’t be discouraged, since it’s still possible to realize good results.
In mild cases, you may go for orthodontic treatment to correct the misalignment of the teeth. This will improve the bite and the looks of the smile and the connection between the upper and lower elements. Nevertheless, it doesn’t change the looks of the face and isn’t at all times indicated.
In additional serious situations, when functional and esthetic problems are very evident, it’s needed to mix orthodontic treatment with orthognathic surgery.
The latter is a sort of maxillofacial surgery that makes it possible to revive symmetry and harmony to the face by putting the jaw bones in place.
Orthognathic surgery to correct mandibular prognathism
Before the person undergoes such surgery, various morphological and esthetic studies with X-rays and images are needed. This helps to plan the treatment, to think about the points to be corrected, and to find out probably the most appropriate techniques.
It also allows the person to be shown the possible result, which makes it easier for him/her to simply accept the change and resolve any associated questions and concerns before the procedure. In any case, prior to this, it’s needed to wear orthodontic devices for a time frame.
This makes the oral situation more favorable for the intervention. Particularly, the teeth are positioned in the very best possible areas.
The surgery is performed in an operating room and under general anesthesia, so it requires hospitalization. It’s performed by a multidisciplinary team, wherein the maxillofacial surgeon plays a key role. The duration of the procedure can take about 2 hours, although this depends upon the complexity of the case.
The method is finished through the oral cavity, so there will probably be no visible scar on the face. Depending on the sort of mandibular prognathism of the patient, the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or each bones will probably be mobilized.
Through the procedure, the surgeon performs an osteotomy of the maxillawhich consists of fracturing it and placing it backward. If needed, excess bone is removed. Also, to maintain the 2 bone fragments together, they’re fixed with titanium plates and pins.
Such a surgery can only be performed once the person’s growth has been accomplished. Within the case of ladies, this normally occurs across the age of 16; in boys, it tends to occur between 17 and 18. Anyway, this depends upon each particular person.
What happens after corrective jaw surgery?
After the surgery, it’s needed to follow certain care procedures to favor the recovery of the tissues and to forestall complications. It’s going to be needed to follow a liquid eating regimen after which a soft eating regimen to avoid mobilizing the jaw while it heals.
The surgeon will prescribe medication for pain and to avoid infections. He or she may also suggest rest for 1 to three weeks. It’s not advisable to exert yourself, exercise, or smoke during this time.
Once the recovery time has passed, it could be needed to return to braces for a time frame. Your teeth could be positioned in the correct place with the braces to realize the specified smile.
Can prognathism be prevented?
When mandibular prognathism is attributable to hereditary or genetic issues or is an element of a syndrome, it’s impossible to forestall it. Nevertheless, it is feasible to act on the external aspects that favor the looks of this disorder.
Parents, for instance, play a fundamental role in taking good care of their children’s mouths and thus might help prevent the lack of milk teeth before their time. Detecting and controlling harmful habits (akin to mouth respiration) and searching for an answer in time can also be a part of prevention.
Early and frequent dental check-ups also make it possible to detect any problems within the mouth early, even when every thing appears to be going well. Visiting the dentist is an easy but fundamental motion to forestall major problems in the long run.
It’d interest you…
