Retrognathism of the lower jaw or retracted mandible
It is in the growth stage that we develop our jaw bones. It is at this stage that the shape and characteristics of our face and the position of the teeth in the upper and lower arches are defined.
As we mentioned when we talked about mandibular prognathism, this development is not always optimal.
Whether due to prognathism or retrognathism, some children need help through treatments such as interceptive orthodontics to ensure the correct formation of the jaws. Otherwise, these children will reach adulthood with dento-cranio-maxillofacial problems whose only solution will be surgery.
The solution to retrognathia or receding jaws
- What is retrognathism or receding jaw?
- What are the causes of a receding jaw?
- What is the treatment for retrognathia?
What is retrognathism or receding jaw?
Mandibular retrognathism or retrognathia is a malformation of the lower jaw whereby it occupies a position that is set back from its normal position. The malformation can be caused by the lower jaw becoming retracted or underdeveloped.
This malocclusion produces, in the majority of cases, a situation of low self-esteem in the person who suffers from it, but it also has functional consequences in chewing and swallowing and in speech.
We could say that retrognathism generates the opposite effect to prognathism. While the latter generates an excess of projection of the lower jaw, retrognathism consists of a lack of projection of the lower jaw.
What are the causes of a receding jaw?
If a child usually resembles one of his/her parents, it is because genetics determines, to a large extent, the facial characteristics. This is why in most cases the causes of retrognathism are hereditary.
For example, certain rare hereditary diseases, such as Pierre-Robin syndrome, are associated with an abnormally small lower jaw and respiratory problems.
Other factors that influence its appearance are excessive dummy use, the habit of thumb sucking or dental malformations.
What are the consequences of retrognathism?
The first and obvious consequence is a lack of self-esteem and problems in social relations, accentuated to the extent that the retrognathia is more noticeable and the patient is younger.
A receding jaw is associated with chewing and food intake problems, speech difficulties, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and respiratory disorders, such as sleep apnoea.
In childhood
Due to its hereditary nature, retrognathia is usually visible as early as infancy. Not only that, but it often occurs in other members of the family.
In infants, retrognathism can interfere with sucking on the mother’s nipple or bottle.
What is the treatment of retrognathism?
A distinction must be made between mild cases and more severe cases.
Mild cases that are diagnosed during infancy are usually overcome by orthodontic treatment. In this type of case, orthodontics is able to correct the position of the lower jaw and dental malocclusion problems.
In more advanced cases, treatment is carried out in three phases
Pre-surgical orthodontics
The aim of this phase is to correct the bite and align both maxillary arches.
Orthognathic surgery
In this second phase, during the surgical intervention, the maxillary bone will be cut and supplemented with a splint, custom-made for the patient, so that it gains the necessary length to reach its natural position.
This restores the lower jaw to the state it should have in a harmonious face.
Post-surgical orthodontics
After the operation, a new period of orthodontics will make the final adjustments in detail to achieve a totally natural result.
Udemax Clinics has an experienced team of orthodontists for children and orthodontists for adults together with maxillofacial surgeons who work together to obtain the best results.
