Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

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Prognathism

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Prognathism
Prognathism

Alternative Names    Return to top

Extended chin

Definition    Return to top

Prognathism is an extension of the lower jaw (mandible) that occurs when the shape of the face bones cause the teeth to be improperly lined up (misaligned).

Considerations    Return to top

Prognathism may cause malocclusion (misalignment of the biting surfaces of the upper and lower teeth), giving some people an angry, or fighter's, appearance. Prognathism may be a symptom of various syndromes or conditions.

Causes    Return to top

An extended (protruding) jaw can be part of the normal facial shape a person is born with. It can also be caused by inherited conditions such as Crouzon syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome. You can develop it as a child or adult from gigantism or acromegaly.

Home Care    Return to top

It is appropriate to see a dentist or orthodontist to treat abnormal alignment of the jaw and teeth. However, also contact your primary health care provider to rule out medical disorders that can be associated with prognathism.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

The health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions regarding the patient's medical history. Questions may include:

Diagnostic tests may include:

Update Date: 2/27/2008

Updated by: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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