orthognathic orthodontics is orthodontic treatment planned together with jaw surgery to correct jaw position and bite problems. It is used when braces or aligners alone cannot fully address a skeletal (jaw-based) discrepancy. It commonly involves coordination between an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. It is most often used for significant overbites, underbites, open bites, and facial asymmetry related to jaw structure.

macrognathia means an unusually large jaw (upper jaw, lower jaw, or both). It is a descriptive clinical term used in dentistry, orthodontics, and medicine. It may be noticed during facial assessment, bite (occlusion) evaluation, or imaging. It can occur on its own or as part of broader growth patterns or health conditions.

micrognathia means a smaller-than-expected jaw, most often referring to the lower jaw (mandible). It is a descriptive clinical term used in dentistry, orthodontics, and medicine. It may be noticed at birth, during childhood growth, or during dental exams for bite and airway concerns. It can occur by itself or as part of a broader craniofacial pattern or syndrome.

prognathia means a jaw (upper, lower, or both) sits or appears positioned forward relative to the rest of the face. It is a descriptive term used in dentistry, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and facial analysis. People may notice it as a “prominent jaw,” an underbite, or a fuller mouth/lip posture depending on the type. Clinically, it helps describe jaw relationships that can affect bite, appearance, speech, and function.

retrognathia describes a jaw position where the lower jaw (mandible) sits back relative to the upper jaw (maxilla) or the facial profile. It is a clinical and orthodontic term used to describe jaw relationships, not a dental material or a procedure. retrognathia is commonly discussed in orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, sleep medicine, and general dentistry. It may be noticed in facial profile, bite alignment, or imaging such as cephalometric (side-view skull) analysis.

maxillary prognathism means the upper jaw (maxilla) sits forward relative to the rest of the face. It is a clinical term used in orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and facial growth assessment. It may affect how the teeth fit together (the bite) and how the midface looks in profile. It is commonly discussed during diagnosis and treatment planning for jaw and bite discrepancies.

mandibular prognathism means the lower jaw (mandible) sits forward relative to the upper jaw (maxilla). It is commonly associated with an “underbite” and a Class III jaw relationship. Dentists and orthodontists use the term to describe facial and bite patterns during diagnosis and treatment planning. It can affect appearance, chewing function, tooth wear, and how the teeth meet.

mandibular deficiency means the lower jaw (mandible) is smaller, shorter, or positioned farther back than expected. It is a descriptive diagnosis used in dentistry, orthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. It is commonly discussed when evaluating a “Class II” bite, prominent upper teeth, or a retruded chin profile. It can be part of normal variation, growth-related change, or (less commonly) a broader craniofacial condition.

maxillary deficiency is a condition where the upper jaw (the maxilla) is smaller, positioned too far back, or narrower than expected relative to the rest of the face. It can affect how the upper and lower teeth fit together (occlusion) and how the midface looks in profile. Dentists and orthodontists commonly use the term when evaluating bite problems such as underbites and crossbites. It is discussed in orthodontics, craniofacial care (including cleft care), and orthognathic (jaw) surgery planning.

jaw discrepancy describes a mismatch in the size, position, or relationship of the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible). It is commonly discussed in orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and prosthodontics when evaluating a person’s bite (occlusion). It can involve front-to-back, side-to-side, or vertical differences that affect how teeth fit together. Some cases are mostly skeletal (jaw-based), while others are mostly dental (tooth-position–based).