Definition of Prognathism:
Prognathism is an extension of the lower jaw (mandible) that occurs when the shape of the face bones cause the teeth to be improperly lined up (misaligned).
Considerations:
Prognathism may cause malocclusion (misalignment of the biting surfaces of the upper and lower teeth), giving some people an angry, or fighter's, appearance. Prognathism may be a symptom of various syndromes or conditions.
Common Causes:
An extended (protruding) jaw can be part of the normal facial shape a person is born with. It can also be caused by inherited conditions such as Crouzon syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome. You can develop it as a child or adult from gigantism or acromegaly.
