Jaw abnormality

Jaw Abnormality
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing, speech difficulties
Complications	Temporomandibular joint disorder, sleep apnea
Onset	Varies
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic factors, trauma, developmental disorders
Risks	Family history, congenital syndromes
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Orthognathic surgery, orthodontics
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

A jaw abnormality refers to any deviation from the normal structure or function of the jaw. These abnormalities can affect the mandible (lower jaw), the maxilla (upper jaw), or both, and can lead to functional and aesthetic issues.

Types of Jaw Abnormalities

Jaw abnormalities can be classified into several types, including:

• Malocclusion: Misalignment of the teeth when the jaws are closed.
• Prognathism: A condition where the jaw protrudes forward.
• Retrognathia: A condition where the jaw is positioned further back than normal.
• Asymmetry: Unevenness in the size or shape of the jaws.

Causes

Jaw abnormalities can arise from various causes, such as:

• Genetic factors: Inherited traits that affect jaw development.
• Trauma: Injury to the jaw that alters its structure.
• Developmental disorders: Conditions that affect normal growth, such as cleft palate.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of jaw abnormalities include:

• Facial asymmetry
• Difficulty chewing
• Speech difficulties
• Jaw pain

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of jaw abnormalities typically involves:

• A thorough clinical examination by a healthcare professional.
• Imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to assess the structure of the jaw.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the abnormality and may include:

• Orthognathic surgery: Surgical procedures to correct jaw alignment.
• Orthodontics: Use of braces or other devices to align teeth and jaws.

Complications

If left untreated, jaw abnormalities can lead to complications such as:

• Temporomandibular joint disorder
• Sleep apnea

See Also

• Orthognathic surgery
• Orthodontics
• Temporomandibular joint disorder

External Links

• [Link to relevant external resources]