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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Micrognathia and Retrognathia?

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Micrognathia and retrognathia are both conditions related to the development or position of the lower jaw (mandible), but they have distinct differences:

Micrognathia:

  • Characterized by an abnormally small mandible.
  • Also known as mandibular hypoplasia.
  • Most cases are congenital, meaning people are born with the condition.
  • Can result in breathing or feeding problems in babies, but often corrects itself as children grow older.
  • Associated with underlying genetic conditions, such as cleft lip and palate, Pierre Robin syndrome, and Treacher Collins syndrome.

Retrognathia:

  • Characterized by a mandible that is displaced posteriorly (behind) in relation to the upper jaw.
  • The mandible is not necessarily small in retrognathia.
  • Refers to a mandible that is deficient in growth, particularly in the anteroposterior (AP) plane.

Both conditions can be observed in children. While the clinical presentation of retrognathia and micrognathia can be similar, the key difference lies in the size of the mandible and its position in relation to the upper jaw.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Micrognathia and Retrognathia?
  • Comparative Table: Micrognathia vs Retrognathia

    • Comparative Table: Micrognathia vs Retrognathia

    Here is a table comparing the differences between micrognathia and retrognathia:

    Feature Micrognathia Retrognathia
    Definition Micrognathia refers to a condition where the mandible (lower jaw) is abnormally small. Retrognathia refers to a condition where the mandible is displaced posteriorly with respect to the maxilla.
    Causes The etiology of micrognathia is unclear, but it may be the result of positional malformation, intrinsic growth abnormalities, or a connective tissue disorder. The cause of retrognathia is not explicitly mentioned in the search results. However, it can be associated with various syndromes and genetic conditions.
    Associated Conditions Micrognathia is often associated with genetic conditions such as cleft lip and palate, Pierre Robin syndrome, and Treacher Collins syndrome. Retrognathia is not specifically mentioned to be associated with any particular conditions in the search results.
    Prevalence Fetal micrognathia has an incidence of 1 in 1000 births. The prevalence of retrognathia is not explicitly mentioned in the search results.
    Treatment Depending on the severity of micrognathia, treatment may range from no intervention (as the condition may correct itself over time) to surgery. The treatment for retrognathia is not explicitly mentioned in the search results.

    In summary, micrognathia is a condition characterized by an abnormally small mandible, while retrognathia is a condition where the mandible is displaced posteriorly with respect to the maxilla. Both conditions can be observed in children and may be associated with various genetic conditions and syndromes.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.