There are people whose chin appears out of balance with the rest of their facial features because their jaw is set back, making it appear ‘short’. This malocclusion is particularly noticeable when viewed in profile, as the pronounced overbite causes the upper teeth to protrude forwards, whilst the chin and lower lip are set back.
In any case, the face lacks harmony. Furthermore, malocclusion can have serious negative consequences that go beyond mere aesthetics, but which can be corrected. Orthognathic surgery resolves problems arising from excessive retraction of the lower jaw or the upper jaw.
How to tell if you have excessive retraction of the lower jaw or upper jaw
Excessive mandibular retrusion, also known as mandibular retrognathia, occurs when the lower jaw is positioned further back than normal in relation to the upper jaw. As well as causing a disproportionate facial appearance, it leads to other problems, such as an incorrect bite, making it more difficult to chew food. On the other hand, excessive protrusion of the upper jaw, or prognathism, means that the upper jaw is positioned too far forward in relation to the lower jaw. This misalignment leads to improper alignment of the teeth, difficulty closing the lips completely and breathing problems.
In both cases, the misalignment may be due to genetic factors, traumatic injuries, growth or developmental disorders, or a combination of these. Among other issues, it causes dental malocclusions, overbite (excessive vertical overlap between the upper and lower teeth) or underbite (crossbite). It also leads to aesthetic problems in the form of an unbalanced facial appearance.
If you suspect you have one of these two types of malocclusion, it is best to consult a specialist, such as a maxillofacial surgeon. Only an expert with experience will be able to diagnose whether this is the case or not. To check this, they will carry out various clinical and radiographic assessments to determine the severity of the problem and, consequently, plan the most appropriate treatment for you. A personalised approach is always key, as every patient and every case is unique, and the procedure must be tailored to that individual.
Before, during and after surgery
The appropriate treatment for correcting excessive retraction of the lower jaw or upper jaw is orthognathic surgery. This procedure involves the surgical repositioning of the lower jaw and/or upper jaw into the correct position, thereby improving the patient’s facial function and appearance.
Orthognathic surgery is used to correct deformities in both the lower jaw and the upper jaw that may cause functional and aesthetic problems. One of the most common deformities is excessive mandibular retrusion, which affects chewing, breathing and, of course, facial appearance.
In some cases, the retrusion is addressed through monomaxillary surgery, which corrects a single bone, either the upper or lower jaw. If, for example, the problem lies with the lower jaw, a mandibular osteotomy may be performed to advance it and align the teeth. This procedure can be carried out via incisions inside the mouth (osteotomies), which minimises visible scarring.
If, on the other hand, the case is more complex and affects both the lower jaw and the upper jaw, the usual option is bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. This simultaneously corrects both jawbones, achieving proper dental occlusion and improved facial harmony. This procedure can address both functional and aesthetic issues, leading to a significant improvement in chewing function, the stability of the temporomandibular joint and facial appearance.
Prior to orthognathic surgery, for which general anaesthesia will be administered, a comprehensive assessment of the patient is carried out, including facial, dental and radiographic examinations, to plan the procedure precisely. The osteotomies are performed with great care, strictly following the established plan, and the jawbones are fixed in their new position using titanium plates and screws.
Following surgery, a recovery period is established during which healing and the adaptation of the tissues to the new situation are closely monitored.
If you wish to correct excessive retraction of your lower jaw or upper jaw, we can help. At Clínica Birbe, we specialise in maxillofacial surgery. You can call us on 34 932 124 737, send us a WhatsApp message on 34 626852363 or email us at clinica@birbe.org.
Article written by the Birbe Editorial Committee
