Mandible Deficiency

Mandible deficiency refers to undergrowth of the lower jaw. In this case, the mandible should be directed forward with the help of mandibular functional appliances. These treatments are among the orthopedic treatments.

In other words, the jaws are corrected with these functional appliances which are basically large removable appliances that stimulate the growth of the mandible until it reaches its normal size and position. These treatments should be done before puberty to achieve best results. Failure to take these treatments at the right time (before puberty) may require jaw surgery in the future.

Mandible deficiency and low face height

Most of the time the patient has a small mandible with a low facial height and deep-bite malocckusion, which is a complication of mandibular deficiency. Deep-bite condition is said to be a condition where the upper teeth cover much more than the standard lower teeth. This leads to gum damage and tooth erosion of both rows and premature tooth decay. It also damages the beauty of the patient’s face.Most patients also find that the lower row teeth are crowded and irregular. Because the small mandibular does not have enough space for the teeth to grow. For this reason, the teeth are squeezed together and the teeth become crowded and unstable.

Cause of Mandibular Deficiency?

In most cases mandibular deficiency is congenital, i.e. the child inherited mandibular deficiency from their mother or father. If your child has a deficient mandible or protruded maxilla, then, you need to visit an orthodontist. The deficient mandible can be caused due to undergrowth of the mandible or excessive growth of the maxilla or a combination of both.

Mandibular Deficiency Treatment

If your child has problem chewing or speaking you should pay a visit to a good orthodontist. These problems might be symptoms of jaw discrepancy or crowded teeth, which can be corrected by an orthodontist. Most of the people suffering from small lower jaw have narrow airway dimensions. This problem should be diagnosed at an early age. This problem can be treated with removable orthodontics appliance before reaching puberty but if the patient goes to the orthodontist after puberty depending on the severity of the malocclusion the patient might need jaw surgery as well as orthodontics treatment. The surgery is used for moving the mandible forward. By bringing the mandible forward, the patients’ tongue is directed forward as well to open the main airway behind the tongue and prevent airway obstruction. Upon treatment of the mandibular deficiency, there will be considerable changes in the person’s face. These changes not only affect the person’s appearance but also improve the performance of the jaws.

For more information, see Dr. Jamilian’s articles.

• Showkatbakhsh R, Castaldo M.I , Jamilian A , Padricelli G, Fahimi Hanzayi M , Cappabianca S , Perillo L . Treatment effects of R-Appliance and fränkel-2 in class II division 1 malocclusions. European journal of paediatric dentistry.. 2013 Mar;14(1):17-22
• Jamilian A, Showkatbakhsh R, Fahimi Hanzaei M , Fetrati A , Mashayekhi Z . Treatment effects of the R-appliance and twin block in class II division I. 88th congress of the European Orthodontic Society, 18-23 June 2012; Santiago de Compostela Spainhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20956385/