[Health Column] Adult Prognathism: When It Can Be Corrected Without Surgery

 

hello. Director Jeong Jae-wook of Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic no see.

 

Have you ever considered getting braces because of your prognathism?

 

Especially in the case of adults, there are many cases where treatment is postponed because they think, “I’ve already finished growing, so surgery is the only option.”

 

but Not all prognathism is a candidate for surgery.

 

If you identify the exact cause Non-surgical correction is possible even in adults There is.

 

Even though they look similar on the outside

✔ Jawbone problems

✔ Teeth alignment problems

✔ Complex causes

etc. Because the causes are different.

 

today Causes of Adult Prognathism and Nonsurgical Correction Possibilities Let's learn about it.

 

 

1. What is a prognathism? ?

👋 An occlusion in which the lower teeth are positioned in front of the upper teeth.

Medically speaking, prognathism is Crossbite It is called.

 

Unlike normal tooth occlusion (occlusion), A condition in which the lower teeth are positioned in front of the upper teeth. It means.

 

If this condition persists, it will go beyond a simple appearance problem.

✔ Difficulty chewing food

✔ Pronunciation becomes awkward

✔ Temporomandibular joint strain

same functional discomfort These may appear together.

 

📌 Prognathism is broadly divided into two types.

• skeletal crossbite → Jawbone problems
• Dental crossbite → Teeth alignment problems

Even though it's the same chin Treatment methods vary depending on the cause.

 

 

 

2. What is skeletal crossbite due to maxillary hypoplasia? ?

👋 When the upper jaw growth is insufficient and the lower jaw appears to protrude
: This type is actually It's not that the lower jaw is big If the upper jaw is narrow or positioned backwards There are many.

 

📌 Features

🔸 Your face looks flat

🔸 An impression where the mid-face appears sunken

🔸 If the upper jaw width is narrow

 

In this case Non-surgical correction is possible.

 

✔ Use of arch expander (orthodontic device that widens the width of the upper jaw teeth arrangement)

✔ Expanding the width of the upper jaw gum bone

✔ Secure space for dental structure

 

It's not just about pushing teeth out. The key to treatment is securing the spatial structure of the teeth. no see.

 

 

 

3. How is skeletal prognathism caused by mandibular overgrowth different? ?

👋   If the lower jaw itself has grown excessively
: This type is commonly referred to as Skeletal prognathism It corresponds to .

 

📌 characteristic

🔸 The tip of the chin protrudes when viewed from the side

🔸 The lower part of the face looks longer

🔸 The jaw line looks strong

 

In this case, the treatment principles are as follows:

 

✔ Fundamental solution → surgical correction recommended

 

 

However, in the following cases, mini screws are used: Non-surgical correction is possible as a supplement You can do it.

• If the degree of protrusion is mild
• If the functional inconvenience is not significant

 

 

⚠️ But there is an important point.

 

Non-surgical treatments have limitations in improving appearance.

 

Excessive non-surgical correction

❗ Burden on gums

❗ Temporomandibular joint strain

Because it can give Careful diagnosis is important.

 

 

4. Can malocclusion be corrected without surgery? ? 

👋 Prognathism caused by teeth alignment problems

: Dental crossbite is Teeth alignment problem, not jawbone problem no see.

 

📌 characteristic

🔸 The change in face shape is not significant.

🔸 Occlusion where the front teeth touch backwards

🔸 There are few problems with the jawbone itself.

 

This type is Non-surgical correction has the best prognosis no see.

 

✔ General orthodontic devices

✔ Use miniscrews (small fasteners) when necessary

by Expect simultaneous improvement in occlusion and aesthetics You can do it.

 

📌 Example

If the jaw is normal, but the teeth are tilted forward so that the lower front teeth are in front of the upper front teeth,

With orthodontic treatment alone When both appearance and function are improved There is.

 

 

 

❓ FAQ

 

Q1. Is there a way to check for prognathism on my own?

A1. An accurate diagnosis requires a medical examination, but The following self-diagnosis checklist items: You can gauge the possibilities.

 

✔ The lower front teeth are in front of the upper front teeth

✔ When viewed from the side, the chin appears unusually forward.

✔ It is uncomfortable to use the front teeth when chewing food.

✔ I feel like my pronunciation is leaking

✔ There is jaw joint noise or fatigue

 

📌 Among the above items If 2 or more apply It is recommended that you consult an orthodontic specialist.

 

Q2. Isn't non-surgical chin correction for adults less effective? ?

A2. The cause Problems with tooth alignment or upper jaw structure ramen Even in adults Sufficient improvement with non-surgical correction You can expect.

but In case of mandibular bone overgrowth In It can be a complementary treatment focused on improving occlusion.

 

 

 

📝 conclusion

 

Adult prognathism correction It is not a simple matter of choosing between “surgery vs. non-surgery.”

 

The most important thing is The prognathism of the chin Identify the exact cause no see.

 

Without knowing the cause

❗ Avoid surgery unconditionally

❗ Trying to force non-surgical treatment

It is not desirable.

 

✨ Through precise diagnosis It is important to develop a treatment plan that takes both function and aesthetics into account.

 

If you are worried about your protruding chin We recommend that you first check your condition through consultation with an orthodontic specialist.

 

 

Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic

Director Jeong Jae-wook

Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dental Prosthodontics Specialist

Graduated from Yonsei University College of Dentistry

Graduated with a master's degree from Yonsei University School of Dentistry

Intern at Yonsei University Sinchon Severance Hospital , Prosthodontics Residency Completion

Korean Academy of Prosthodontics, recognized and full member

Korean Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI) Premium Member

Regular member of the Korean Society of Temporomandibular Joint and Occlusion

Full member of the Korean Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry

jeon ) Adjunct Professor, Yonsei University College of Dentistry

jeon ) Former Director of Yonsei Good Day Dental Clinic Yangjae Branch

hyeon ) Korean Academy of Prosthodontics, Board of Review , Expert Committee/Academic Affairs Committee

hyeon ) Korean Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI) Director of Academic Planning

 

 

 

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