Bimaxillary Protrusion
A dentofacial deformity characterised by the forward positioning of both upper and lower dental arches and their supporting alveolar bone relative to the facial skeleton.
Full Definition
Bimaxillary protrusion is a skeletal and dentoalveolar condition in which both the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth and alveolar processes are proclined and anteriorly positioned, often resulting in lip incompetence and an increased nasolabial angle. It is a common indication for orthognathic surgery or extraction-based orthodontic camouflage. Editors will encounter the term in pre-surgical orthodontic records, referral letters, and research comparing surgical versus non-surgical management. It must not be confused with 'bimaxillary osteotomy', which is a surgical procedure, nor with 'prognathism', which denotes anterior projection of the jaw itself rather than the alveolus.
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse with 'bimaxillary osteotomy' (a surgical procedure) or 'prognathism' (jaw projection). 'Bimaxillary' is always solid, no hyphen.
In Context
- "The cephalometric analysis confirmed bimaxillary protrusion, with both upper and lower incisors significantly ahead of the aesthetic plane." — Orthodontic-surgical treatment plan
- "Correction of bimaxillary protrusion in this cohort required extraction of all first premolars and subsequent orthodontic retraction." — Research article abstract