Prognathism

Prognathism refers to a protruding jaw. It is also called an extended chin or Habsburg jaw. The condition is usually a sign of an underlying condition. Talk to your doctor if you suspect your jaw is protruding.

Recognizing Prognathism

You have mandibular prognathism if your bottom jaw extends further out than it should. Maxillary prognathism occurs when your upper jaw protrudes. In bimaxillary prognathism, both jaws stick out further than the rest of your face.

Underlying Causes of Prognathism

Some people are born with a protruding upper or lower jaw without having any underlying conditions. In others, prognathism can be associated with one of the following underlying conditions:

Acromegaly

This condition occurs when your body produces too much growth hormone (GH), which causes your tissues to enlarge. Your lower jaw ends up sticking out as it becomes larger. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), it affects about 60 out of every one million people (NIDDK, 2012).

Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome

This is a rare inherited condition that causes abnormal facial characteristics, such as a broad nose, eyes that are too far apart, and a heavy brow. Prognathism occurs in some cases.

Acrodysostosis

This is a very rare condition that people are born with. It can cause shortened arms and legs, hearing problems, a short nose, a protruding jaw, and mental retardation.

When to See the Doctor

Prognathism can cause a condition called malocclusion of the teeth, which means that your teeth are not aligned correctly. This can cause problems with biting, chewing, and talking. Misaligned teeth are also harder to clean, which increases your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Your dentist can check your jaw alignment and refer you to an orthodontist for treatment.

Acromegaly can raise your risk of having diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease when left untreated. It can also cause serious complications such as vision problems and arthritis. Call your doctor if you have a protruding jaw and other symptoms of this condition, such as:

Basal cell nevus syndrome is associated with an increased risk of a skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. If you have any unusual growths or skin abnormalities, see a dermatologist as soon as possible to have them checked out.

This condition can also affect your nervous system and lead to blindness, mental retardation, seizures, and deafness. It is important to see your doctor if you have the physical characteristics of this condition.

Acrodysostosis can lead to arthritis, limited movement in the hands, elbows, and spine, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Call the doctor if your child has physical signs of this problem or developmental problems that could be linked to mental retardation.

Treating Prognathism

Dental Care

An orthodontist can fix a protruding jaw through orthognathic surgery. You can have this done to correct misaligned teeth or for cosmetic reasons. You will have to wear braces to encourage your teeth to move into their new position. Your surgeon will remove and reposition parts of your bones as needed. Your jaw will be held in place with plates, screws, or wires.

Medical Care

Your doctor can diagnose and treat any underlying conditions that are causing your protruded jaw.

Acromegaly can be treated by surgically removing the pituitary tumor that causes the production of too much growth hormone. You might need radiation therapy if the tumor is too big. Your doctor can also prescribe medication to control the amount of growth hormone that is released or block its effects.

If you have basal cell nevus syndrome, treatment depends on what parts of your body are being affected and whether or not you have cancer.

Treatment for acrodysostosis involves special education for mental retardation and orthopedic care for bone problems.

What Happens After Corrective Surgery?

After corrective jaw surgery, you will have to eat a modified diet temporarily. Medications can provide pain relief and you will be able to go back to work about one to three weeks after surgery. Your jaw will need about nine to 12 months to fully heal.

Preventing Prognathism

You cannot prevent prognathism due to genetic conditions, such as basal cell nevus syndrome. You can talk to a genetic counselor if you are planning on having children to find out if there is a the chance of passing the condition on to them.

Source: http://www.healthline.com