What is micrognathia?

Micrognathia is a condition in which the lower jaw is unusually small, often small enough to disrupt eating and normal teeth and tongue development. This condition is usually hereditary and may be the only deformity the patient has; It could also accompany other health problems. Most often it is diagnosed in childhood, but treatment is sometimes delayed because abnormally small jaw tends to correct as the patient ages. However, when the condition leaves a patient who is unable to eat or breathe, treatment usually occurs soon after diagnosis. The condition is not always so heavy, so some patients are not diagnosed with microgathia until they are older, other negative effects may be evident at this point. For example, a small jaw prevents the proper growth of the tongue, which is probably forced to roof the mouth for most of the time and can prevent airways. Another problem that may only be evident after several years is insufficient room for teeth, resulting in incorrectly equalization. That leadsto the need for orthodontic treatment as soon as the jaw structure is repaired.

It is recommended to see a doctor for official diagnosis, especially if the child cannot eat or breathe properly. Before diagnose the jaw deformities, doctors usually complete physical examination and follow X -rays of the skull. Other symptoms will also be recorded to ensure that it is not caused or accompanied by other health conditions. For example, some patients with microgathia also suffer from progeria or rapid aging, while others may have Marfan syndrome, which is a connective tissue disorder.

Young patients have difficulty in food with micrognathii can be offered feeding tools such as specialized nipple for bottles. Such equipment can ensure that they get the nutrients they need without having to endure surgery at a young age - PAn immediate surgical treatment is not necessary for them. Surgery is usually postponed in young patients, because microgathia is sometimes corrected when the jaw grows during puberty. In addition, the teeth of young children are not fully developed, so both the surgery of the jaw and the orthodontic drugs are often delayed to prevent the treatment to prevent the bone structure.