Prognathism is characterized by protruding jaws.
Prognathism is the condition of the individual who is prognathous . This adjective is used to describe people whose jaws are protruding . This means that the jaw, whether its lower or upper part, ends up protruding from the face.
Before moving forward with the meaning of the term prognathism, it is necessary to determine its etymological origin. In that sense, it must be made clear that it is a neologism that took shape in the 19th century and was made up of three parts derived from Latin and Greek: the Latin prefix pro- , which means “forward” ; the Greek noun gnathos , which is equivalent to “jaw” ; and the Greek suffix -ism , which can be translated as “quality.”
Characteristics of prognathism
Various factors can cause prognathism. In humans , this condition can cause various disorders beyond aesthetic issues, since prognathism prevents normal mouth closure and can cause problems chewing or even speaking.
The usual thing is for the lower jaw to appear “forward” with respect to the upper jaw, causing the teeth to not be well aligned. This poor dental occlusion can be a symptom of certain disorders, so it is advisable to consult a dentist. In certain cases, prognathism must be resolved with surgery. The professional may also indicate the use of orthodontics .
Prognathism can be corrected with orthodontics or surgery.
Most common causes
Specifically, it is considered that three of the most important causes that give rise to this extension of the jaw are the following:
- Hereditary conditions , such as basal cell nevus syndrome or Crouzon syndrome.
- Gigantism , which is abnormal, large growth during childhood.
- Acromegaly , which is characterized by the fact that a person has too much growth hormone.
Consequences of prognathism
People who suffer from prognathism have to face a series of symptoms or consequences, such as these:
- An undeniable facial asymmetry.
- Joint pains.
- Poor self-esteem, since they are totally unhappy with their physical appearance.
The disorder throughout history
Throughout history there have been many cases of beings with prognathism. Thus, it is considered that the first to suffer from it were the Cro-Magnon men and also even the Neanderthals . However, after them certain pharaohs of Ancient Egypt also had this facial characteristic.
It should be noted that prognathism can have a genetic cause and, therefore, be inherited. Among the best-known cases of prognathism is the condition shared by various members of the Habsburgs , a dynasty that ruled Spain between the 16th and 17th centuries . Due to the appearance that prognathism gives, many members of the Habsburgs chose to grow beards to hide the defect in their jaw. The portraits made by painters of the time, however, allow us to notice the condition .
Beyond what it causes in humans, prognathism was normal in other hominid species. In today's Homo sapiens , in fact, it does not always become a medical problem.