Prognathism is an abnormal alignment of the jawbone that can cause a person’s lower face to stick out. It is often the result of genetics, but can also be caused by problems with tooth growth or injury. While it may not seem like a big deal, it can lead to a number of dental and health problems. In this blog post, we will discuss what prognathism is, its causes and treatment options.
What is Prognathism?
Prognathism is a condition in which the lower jaw bulges or swells/protrudes outward. When teeth are not aligned properly, primarily due to the shape of your bone, you get prognathism. Prognathism is a medical term for a jaw that sticks out in front of the face above or below the normal range.
It can affect both the upper and lower jaw, but is most commonly seen in the lower jaw. It can cause a person’s face to look distorted and can make it difficult to chew food or speak properly.
Causes of prognathism
There are a number of different things that can cause this condition, including:
- Genetics: Prognathism can be passed down from parents to children. If you have a family member with this condition, you are more likely to develop the condition yourself.
- Abnormal tooth growth: Prognathism can be caused by problems with the way teeth grow in the jawbone. This can be the result of an injury, infection, or certain medical conditions.
- Jaw injury: An injury to the jawbone can cause it to grow abnormally, leading to this condition.
- Acromegaly: This is a condition that causes the body to produce too much growth hormone. This can lead to an overgrowth of bones and tissues, including the jawbone. It is usually treated with medication.
- Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome: This is a rare condition that causes the growth of abnormal tissue on the face and body. It can cause the lower jaw to grow out, leading to prognathism. Surgery is the sole treatment option.
- Acrodysostosis: This is a rare congenital condition that affects the development of bones and joints. It can cause the lower jaw to grow out. Supplements can help in some cases, though surgery is often required to fix it.
- Misaligned teeth: This is one of the most common causes of prognathism. When teeth are not aligned properly, it can cause the lower jaw to protrude outward. This can be corrected with braces or other orthodontic treatments.
Treatment for prognathism
There are a number of different treatment options for prognathism, depending on the severity and cause of the condition.
- Mild Prognathism: In cases of mild prognathism, no treatment may be necessary. If there are no dental or health problems, you may not need any treatment at all.
- Orthodontic Treatment: This is the most common treatment for this condition. It can help to align the teeth and jaw, and can be done with braces or other devices.
- Surgery: In cases where the it is severe, surgery may be necessary to correct it. This can involve breaking and resetting the bones in the jaw, or moving soft tissue around.
Conclusion
Prognathism can cause a number of problems, both dental and health-related. If you think you may have this condition, be sure to talk to your dentist or doctor. They will be able to help you find the best treatment option for you.
Do you or someone you know suffer from this condition? What treatments have been effective for you? Let us know in the comments below.