Prognathism
Pronunciation: prog-NAY-thiz-um
A skeletal condition in which the mandible or maxilla protrudes abnormally beyond the normal facial profile plane.
Full Definition
Prognathism describes the abnormal forward projection of either the mandible (mandibular prognathism) or, less commonly, the maxilla (maxillary prognathism) relative to the cranial base. Mandibular prognathism is the skeletal basis of Class III malocclusion and may be treated with functional appliances in growing patients or orthognathic surgery in adults. The term derives from the Greek pro (forward) and gnathos (jaw). Editors must distinguish between prognathism and protrusion: prognathism refers to a skeletal (jaw) discrepancy, while protrusion typically refers to a dental (tooth) discrepancy. The condition is also referred to as 'prognathia' in some international texts.
Usage
Usage note: Specify whether mandibular or maxillary when the distinction is clinically relevant. Do not use interchangeably with 'protrusion,' which has a dental rather than skeletal connotation.
In Context
- "The patient's mandibular prognathism was confirmed by cephalometric analysis showing an ANB angle of −4°." — Diagnostic report
- "The copy-editor flagged 'prognathism' where the context clearly referred to dental protrusion rather than skeletal jaw position." — Manuscript editing note