Macrognathism
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Macrognathia refers to the condition of abnormally large jaws. It is also called 'megagnathia' (antonym: micrognathia).
Etiology
- Heredity
- Pituitary gigantism
- Paget's disease of bone (osteitis deformans)
- Acromegaly
- Leontiasis ossea
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
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.