growth modification is an orthodontic approach that aims to influence jaw growth while a patient is still growing. It is commonly used to help reduce jaw-size discrepancies, such as an upper jaw that appears too far forward or a lower jaw that appears too far back (or vice versa). It typically involves orthodontic appliances that guide growth and tooth position over time. It is most often discussed in pediatric and adolescent orthodontics, when skeletal growth is still active.

interdisciplinary ortho-surgery is coordinated care that combines orthodontics (tooth movement) and jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to improve bite, facial balance, and function. It is used when braces or clear aligners alone cannot fully correct skeletal jaw differences. Treatment is planned and delivered by a team, commonly an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. It is most often discussed for adults, but it can also be relevant for selected teens after growth assessment.

surgical orthodontics is a coordinated treatment that combines orthodontics (tooth movement) with jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery). It is used when braces or aligners alone cannot fully correct a bite because the jaw position or jaw size is the main problem. Treatment is typically planned and delivered by an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon working together. It is commonly used for significant overbites, underbites, open bites, facial asymmetry, and related functional concerns.

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.