Learn About Micrognathia

What is the definition of Micrognathia?

Micrognathia is a term for a lower jaw that is smaller than normal.

What is some background information about Micrognathia?

In some cases, the jaw is small enough to interfere with the infant's feeding. Infants with this condition may need special nipples in order to feed properly.

Micrognathia often corrects itself during growth. The jaw may grow a lot during puberty. The problem can be caused by certain inherited disorders and syndromes.

Micrognathia can cause the teeth not to align properly. This can be seen in the way the teeth appear when the mouth closes. Often there will not be enough room for the teeth to grow.

Children with this problem should see an orthodontist when the adult teeth come in. Because children may outgrow the condition, it often makes sense to delay treatment until a child is older.

What are the causes of Micrognathia?

Micrognathia may be part of other genetic syndromes, including:

  • Cri du chat syndrome
  • Hallermann-Streiff syndrome
  • Marfan syndrome
  • Pierre Robin syndrome
  • Progeria
  • Russell-Silver syndrome
  • Seckel syndrome
  • Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome
  • Treacher-Collins syndrome
  • Trisomy 13
  • Trisomy 18
  • XO syndrome (Turner syndrome)
How do I perform a home exam for a Micrognathia?

You may need to use special feeding methods for a child with this condition. Most hospitals have programs where you can learn about these methods.

When should I contact a medical professional for Micrognathia?

Contact your health care provider if:

  • Your child seems to have a very small jaw
  • Your child has trouble feeding properly
What should I expect during a doctor appointment?

The provider will do a physical exam and may ask questions about the problem. Some of these may include:

  • When did you first notice that the jaw was small?
  • How severe is it?
  • Does the child have trouble eating?
  • What other symptoms are present?

The physical exam will include a thorough check of the mouth.

The following tests may be performed:

  • Dental x-rays
  • Skull x-rays

Depending on the symptoms, a child may need to be tested for an inherited condition that may be the source of the problem. The child may need surgery or devices to correct tooth position.

Who are the top Micrognathia Local Doctors?
Pediatric Pulmonology | Pediatrics
Pediatric Pulmonology | Pediatrics
2401 Gillham Rd, Pulmonology Section, 
Kansas City, MO 
 22.3 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Zarmina Ehsan is a Pediatric Pulmonologist and a Pediatrics provider in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Ehsan and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Micrognathia. Her top areas of expertise are Micrognathia, Infantile Apnea, Infantile Pneumothorax, Cystic Fibrosis, and Adenoidectomy. Dr. Ehsan is currently accepting new patients.

Medical Genetics | Pediatrics
Medical Genetics | Pediatrics

Kansas University Physicians Inc

1000 E 101st Ter, Urology, 
Kansas City, MO 
 12.9 mi
Offers Telehealth

Eric Rush is a Medical Genetics specialist and a Pediatrics provider in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Rush and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Micrognathia. His top areas of expertise are Hypophosphatasia (HPP), Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Zellweger Syndrome, Tetrasomy X, and Osteotomy.

 
 
 
 
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Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery
2401 Gilham Avenue, 
Kansas City, MO 
 22.3 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Jeffrey Goldstein is a Plastic Surgeon in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Goldstein and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Micrognathia. His top areas of expertise are Micrognathia, Spinal Fusion, and Angioplasty. Dr. Goldstein is currently accepting new patients.

What are the latest Micrognathia Clinical Trials?
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What are the Latest Advances for Micrognathia?
CHARGE syndrome in a neonate
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Midline Cervical Cleft: Case Report and Current Understanding.
Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: April 25, 2023
Published By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Campbell KH, Han CS, Abdel-Razeq SS. Imaging of the face and neck. In: Lockwood CJ, Copel JA, Dugoff L, et al. eds. Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 21.

Enlow E, Greenberg JM. Clinical manifestations of diseases in the newborn. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, Blum NJ, Shah SS, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 119.

Hartsfield JK, Morford LA. Acquired and developmental disturbances of the teeth and associated oral structures. In: Dean JA, ed. McDonald and Avery's Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA; 2022:chap 3.