If you have noticed that your lower jaw protrudes forward, that your facial profile has changed or that your teeth do not close correctly, the cause is not always the position of the teeth alone. In many cases it is related to the way the upper and the lower jaw have developed.
This condition can affect not only appearance, but also chewing, speech, the closure of the teeth and the work of the temporomandibular joints.
In medicine this disorder is most often called a mesial bite (prognathism). It is one of the types of malocclusion, in which the lower jaw sits forward relative to the upper one.
Why does the lower jaw protrude forward?
The most common causes are:
- hereditary predisposition;
- the growth pattern of the upper and the lower jaw;
- congenital anomalies in the development of the facial skeleton;
- the consequences of injuries to the maxillofacial area.
It is impossible to determine the cause on your own. Even when the changes look similar in different people, the treatment methods can differ considerably.
What symptoms can there be?
Besides the lower jaw protruding forward, patients often notice:
- an incorrect bite;
- difficulty chewing and biting off food;
- increased wear of the teeth;
- a sense that the teeth do not close correctly;
- tension or discomfort in the area of the jaw joints;
- dissatisfaction with the facial profile or with asymmetry.
In some people the problem shows itself only as a change in appearance, while in others it is accompanied by functional disorders.
Can it be corrected?
Yes. Modern maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics make it possible to treat most such disorders effectively.
If the problem is related only to the position of the teeth, orthodontic treatment may be enough.
If the cause is an incorrect position of the upper or the lower jaw, braces alone will not be able to remove the underlying cause. In such cases, after the examination, the doctor may recommend surgical bite correction (orthognathic surgery).
The optimal treatment method is determined only after a consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist and after the necessary examination has been carried out.
When should you see a doctor?
Do not put off a consultation if:
- the lower jaw noticeably protrudes forward;
- the teeth do not close correctly;
- it is difficult to bite off or chew food;
- pronounced facial asymmetry is a concern;
- the bite has remained incorrect after orthodontic treatment.
Conclusion
If the lower jaw protrudes forward, this is not always merely an aesthetic feature. The cause is often related to abnormal development of the jaws and calls for a comprehensive examination. Modern diagnostics make it possible to determine whether the problem can be solved with orthodontic treatment or whether orthognathic surgery will be required to fully correct the bite.
The stages of surgical treatment are described on the service page surgical bite correction.