What are congenital jaw deformities?
Congenital jaw deformities are abnormalities in the shape, size, or alignment of the upper jaw (maxilla), the lower jaw (mandible), or both. These abnormalities are present at birth and may cause functional problems and affect facial appearance.
Penn Medicine’s oral and maxillofacial specialists are leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of many facial conditions, including congenital jaw deformities. We often partner with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to treat pediatric patients with certain birth-related jaw conditions.
What are the signs and symptoms of congenital jaw deformities?
Congenital jaw deformities of the face, jaw, and mouth may present in a variety of ways, including:
- Facial asymmetry, such as an uneven or tilted jawline
- Improper alignment of teeth (malocclusion), including underbite, overbite, crossbite, or open bite (front teeth that don’t touch)
- Elongated facial appearance
- Speech difficulties
- Biting, chewing, or swallowing problems
- Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea
- Excessive gum visibility when smiling
- Dental issues, such as gum recession
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, like jaw pain, stiffness, or clicking
What are the causes of jaw deformities at birth?
Causes of congenital jaw deformities include:
- Genetic factors and heredity
- Environmental factors during pregnancy
- Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy
- Certain birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate
Diagnosing congenital jaw deformities
Congenital jaw deformities are diagnosed through clinical evaluation and imaging tests. Your doctor will perform a physical exam to evaluate facial symmetry and proportion and issues with breathing, chewing, or speaking. X-rays and CT scans are often used to assess jaw development. In prenatal cases, ultrasound tests may be used to detect jaw abnormalities. In some cases, genetic testing may be recommended to identify potential chromosome or gene abnormalities and rule out other conditions.
Treatment for an at-birth deformed or misaligned jaw
Common approaches to mild congenital jaw deformities can help to properly align teeth, including physical and speech therapy, oral appliances like night guards or bite splints, and other orthodontic care. Oral or injection medications can also be used to manage pain and reduce muscle tension. More serious cases may require corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to realign or balance the jaw, reconstruction surgery to repair and rebuild oral and facial structures, or some combination of orthodontic and surgical treatments.
Corrective care for healthy jaws
Our oral and maxillofacial surgery program at Penn Medicine includes a multidisciplinary team of oral surgeons, oral medicine physicians, and oral rehabilitation experts who work together to provide expert care for even the most complex congenital jaw deformities. We aim to relieve discomfort, improve function and appearance, and prevent or reverse the progression of serious dental problems and TMJ disorders.