Macrognathia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 This article does not cite any references or sources. (November 2007)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Macrognathia refers to the condition of abnormally large jaws. It is also called as 'megagnathia'.

[edit] Etiology

[edit] Clinical appearance

  • Mandibular protrusion (when mandible is affected)
  • "Gummy smile" (when maxilla is affected)
  • Ramus of mandible forms a less steep angle with body of mandible
  • Mandibular prognathism caused by excessive condylar growth
  • Chin appears prominent

[edit] Treatment

Treatment is surgical. Osteotomies may be done in case of maxillary macrognathia. Mandibular macrognathia is generally managed by resection of a portion of the mandible followed by orthodontic treatment.