Lower Jaw Retardation

When we look at it from an orthodontic and orthopedic perspective, the situation where the lower jaw lags behind the normal position of the upper jaw and the face is called ‘lower jaw retardation’. This is one of the skeletal jaw problems we frequently encounter in our country. It is also very important to treat it at an early stage.

Parents who have lower jaw retardation in themselves or in their family; Considering the possibility that their children may have this problem, they should have their children examined by an orthodontist at the age of 7-8.

When families notice this problem in their children, they want to consult an expert for what they call a ‘lower jaw retardation device’.

So, what are the appliances that families describe as ‘appliances for jaw retardation’?

If our patient has lower jaw retardation and is in the appropriate period of growth and development, the following ‘lower jaw retardation appliances‘ can be used:

• Twin Blok
• Mono Blok
• Fixed functional devices (devices named Forsus/Sus/Herbst etc.)
• Transparent plaque treatment

In all pediatric patients who are examined orthodontically during the growth and development period, both the tooth structure and jaw structure are examined. If a discrepancy in the jaws is found as a clinical observation, an x-ray is taken and the family is informed according to the analysis result of this x-ray. One of the most common problems with jaw disorders is lower jaw retardation. Lower jaw retardation means that the lower jaw is positioned behind and/or small compared to the upper jaw and skull base.

If lower jaw retardation is treated just before the peak growth-development period, much more effective and faster results will be obtained. It should be taken into consideration that the rate of growth and development decreases earlier in girls than in boys. Contrary to popular belief, the first orthodontic examination should be performed at the age of 7. Unfortunately, many parents have the wrong information that 12 years old is the appropriate age for orthodontic examination. If the child has lower jaw retardation and her skeletal development is slow even though she is 12 years old, it may be too late. The physician who will provide this information most accurately is an orthodontist. For this reason, even if you have taken your child to a dentist before and had her examined, you should definitely show her to an orthodontist.

In our clinic, twin blocks and transparent plates are the devices used in the treatment of lower jaw retardation.

What is Twin Block? It consists of two acrylic parts, the lower and upper jaw. There are ramps on these parts that allow the lower jaw to stand forward. Thus, the patient always closes her jaw forward with this appliance. It is a mobile device that can be attached and removed. The acrylic part also extends to the palate area of ​​the upper jaw.

How to bring the chin forward with transparent aligners?
In our patients with lower jaw retardation, a certain part of the transparent plaques bear protrusions called wings. These wings allow the lower jaw to be positioned forward while the plates are in the mouth. Allows gradual activation. These wings allow the lower jaw to be positioned forward while the plates are in the mouth. In this way, children will get used to it much more easily and will not have any difficulties. It is not heavy like acrylic and does not extend to the palate. Due to these advantages, in recent years we have been treating lower jaw recession mostly with transparent plates in our clinic. The period when growth and development is most effective/rapid is very important in this treatment. For this reason, it is a great advantage for us to use the devices that our children can easily use and get used to.