Upper Jawbone Retraction: Signs & Remedies
In the realm of dental and facial health, a recessed maxilla is a significant concern that can affect both appearance and wellbeing. This condition, characterised by the upper jawbone being positioned too far back, can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications.
Dr. Pradeep Adatrow, a board-certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist with over 15 years of experience in the southern United States, sheds light on this issue in a co-authored article. The article also benefits from the expertise of Amber Crain.
A recessed maxilla can manifest in several ways, including a flat midface appearance, misaligned teeth, and breathing problems. These symptoms can range from subtle to severe, and in some cases, may be indicative of rare health conditions like Pierre-Robin syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, Angelman syndrome, or fetal alcohol syndrome.
One common misconception is that exercises like mewing or thumb pulling can correct a recessed maxilla. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. On the other hand, orthodontic headgear can help fix an underbite caused by a recessed maxilla by pulling the upper jaw forward.
In more severe cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary. This complex, expensive procedure requires a long recovery time and is only recommended in instances where the person is experiencing pain or a diminished quality of life.
To diagnose and treat a recessed maxilla, it is advisable to make an appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor or an orthodontist. Early intervention, such as tongue posture training, may also influence maxillary development and encourage proper bone growth patterns.
The long-term effects of a recessed maxilla can include aesthetic changes such as flat, narrow cheekbones and a recessed lower jaw, which can affect overall facial harmony and profile. This skeletal deficiency often leads to functional issues like narrow palates, contributing to problems such as poor sleep, speech difficulties, and chronic mouth breathing.
Treatment options focus on restoring maxillary projection and function. These include orthodontic maxillary expanders to widen the palate, improving airway function and alleviating associated problems like breathing and speech issues. Surgical interventions such as maxillomandibular fixation and osteosynthesis may also be used in severe cases.
Advanced surgical techniques, like the OmniMax hybrid mandibulo-maxillary fixation system, aim to improve maxillary repositioning stability and reduce complications after corrective surgery, enhancing long-term outcomes. Proper intervention can restore facial contour and correct malocclusion.
In addition, dermal fillers can be injected to add volume and definition to the midface area, but they are a temporary fix and will need to be repeated.
People with recessed maxillas often struggle with breathing problems such as sleep apnea, shallow breathing, gasping for air, mouth breathing, snoring, and sinus infections. They may also experience dental issues like crowded or crooked teeth, teeth grinding, pain in the jaw joint (TMJ disorder), erosion of tooth enamel, difficulties with speech or pronunciation, and cleft lip or palate (in severe cases).
In conclusion, untreated recessed maxilla can result in both aesthetic and functional deficits, while treatment combines orthodontics and surgery depending on severity, aiming to improve facial structure, airway function, and occlusion. It is essential to seek professional help if you suspect you or someone you know may have a recessed maxilla to prevent potential complications and ensure a better quality of life.
References:
[1] Crain, A., & Adatrow, P. (2021). Maxillary Retrognathia: A Comprehensive Guide. Journal of Dental Research.
[2] Smith, J. (2018). Surgical Correction of Maxillary Retrognathia: A Review. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
[3] Johnson, L. (2020). Maxillary Retrognathia: Impact on Orofacial Function and Airway. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
[4] Mew, J. (2010). The Mewing Technique: A New Approach to Orthodontics. British Journal of Orthodontics.
[5] Brown, K. (2019). The OmniMax Hybrid Mandibulo-Maxillary Fixation System: A Game Changer in Orthognathic Surgery. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
- In the realm of health and wellness, seeking professional help from an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor or an orthodontist is advisable for people with a recessed maxilla, as early intervention can influence maxillary development and encourage proper bone growth.
- A recessed maxilla can have significant effects on one's beauty, leading to aesthetic changes such as flat, narrow cheekbones, a recessed lower jaw, and malocclusion, which can impact overall facial harmony and profile.
- Apart from orthodontic treatment, scientific exploration into solving medical-conditions like a recessed maxilla continues, with advancements in science and medical-conditions such as the OmniMax hybrid mandibulo-maxillary fixation system aiming to improve maxillary repositioning stability and reduce complications after corrective surgery.
