Macrognathism

Macrognathism 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.

References