Can a Protruding Jaw Be Treated with Orthodontics Alone? @ Daechi-dong Orthodontic Clinic Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic

Hello. I am Jang Won, CEO and chief dentist of Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, an orthodontic clinic in Daechi-dong.

What we commonly call a protruding jaw is a type of malocclusion in which the lower jaw is more developed than the upper jaw, causing the lower jaw to protrude forward. This can result in the teeth biting in reverse, leading to problems with chewing function or difficulty speaking clearly. Above all, because the lower jaw protrudes, it can create a strong-looking impression, which may cause stress in interpersonal relationships. The more severe the crossbite, the more the lower front teeth protrude upward and the less visible the upper front teeth become. Even when smiling, more of the lower teeth may show, making the mouth appear as if the lips are drawn tight.

A protruding jaw often occurs together with facial asymmetry, and the chin may be tilted to one side, making the left and right jaws look unbalanced from the front. Due to facial asymmetry, the upper and lower dental midlines also do not match, and the left and right molars may not bite together properly.

A protruding jaw and facial asymmetry can be fundamentally improved through surgery, but depending on the condition of the teeth and their eruption position, improvement may also be possible non-surgically through orthodontic treatment alone.

Orthodontic correction of a protruding jaw first requires a detailed examination to determine whether the crossbite is caused by skeletal misalignment or by abnormal tooth alignment, and to confirm whether it can be treated with orthodontics so that an appropriate treatment plan can be made. In cases of a protruding jaw, facial asymmetry is also often present, so if improvement is to be made through orthodontics alone, treatment should begin only after precisely determining the range that can be improved.

First examination photos, January 2021

This patient visited the clinic with the chief complaint that the lower jaw protruded forward and the front teeth bit in reverse. Along with the protruding jaw, the chin was tilted to the right, so the dental midline was also misaligned, and there was a significant difference in the bite of the left and right molars. Because the lower jaw was tilted to the right, the positional relationship of the left canine was also greatly misaligned vertically.

Left and right canine positional relationship

From the front, the lower jaw is tilted to the right, and from the side, the protrusion of the lower jaw and the tension in the chin muscle can be seen.

Facial photos before orthodontic treatment

To resolve the crossbite of the front teeth and the difference between the upper and lower dental midlines caused by the protruding lower jaw, orthodontic treatment was performed after extracting two lower premolars on the left and right.

Intraoral photos before and after orthodontic treatment

After treatment was completed, the upper and lower dental midlines matched, and the crossbite of the front teeth was improved. Comparing the side facial photos, the protrusion of the lower lip was greatly improved, and without surgical treatment, orthodontic treatment alone has made the lower jawline, which appeared to project forward, continue naturally without tension in the muscles.

Skeletal disharmony and asymmetry of the upper and lower jaws often require orthognathic surgery for treatment, but it is true that surgical treatment carries a burden not only in terms of cost but also due to general anesthesia and the risks of surgery. In cases of mild skeletal disharmony, orthodontic treatment alone can sometimes produce excellent improvements comparable to those achieved with surgery. So if you are concerned about protruding jaw treatment because orthognathic surgery feels burdensome, I recommend visiting Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic to first undergo a detailed examination and find out whether your case can be improved with orthodontics alone.

Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic’s orthodontic treatment includes the cost of detailed diagnosis and monthly fees (excluding retainer costs), so you do not need to worry about additional expenses. In addition, because we also have a general dentistry department, all necessary treatments for orthodontics, such as extractions and cavity treatment, can be done in one place. We also offer an installment payment system to reduce the burden of paying a large amount all at once, which makes it even more attractive.

Director Jang Won, who is in charge of the orthodontic department, has specialized in orthodontics for 16 years and has extensive experience with many high-difficulty cases. Therefore, he can effectively treat a wide range of orthodontic cases, including malocclusion, protrusive mouth, and protruding jaw.

If you visit Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, an orthodontic specialty clinic in Daechi-dong, you can accurately understand your current condition through a simple oral examination at no additional cost, and you can also hear explanations about various orthodontic appliances during your orthodontic consultation. Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

At Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, we are equipped with all the latest necessary devices for orthodontic treatment, including the iTero Lumina 3D oral scanner, growth plate examination, and pre- and post-treatment simulations using the Morpheus facial scanner, allowing for more precise and systematic orthodontic treatment.

Perhaps those considering orthodontics due to protrusive mouth, crowded teeth, malocclusion, protruding jaw, and similar concerns have already gathered a lot of information through online searches. Even so, comparing the different appliances in person and hearing detailed explanations will be of great help when making a decision.

During the consultation, you can compare various appliances such as Clarity, Clippy C, and Invisalign with your own eyes and hear detailed explanations of their advantages and disadvantages, so we recommend calling or visiting for a consultation without hesitation.

Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic is close to Samseong Station, Hakyeoul Station, Daechi Station, and Hanti Station, making it very convenient for patients coming from Samseong-dong, Daechi-dong, Dogok-dong, Yeoksam-dong, Irwon-dong, Jamsil, and Gaepo-dong.

Next to BMW at the intersection by Woosung Apartment, Daechi-dong

(Across from Starbucks/Samsung Store)

Daechi-dong Orthodontic Clinic Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic is

Convenient parking available and free of charge

Consultation & Inquiries: 02-501-2879