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Jaw growth is a slow and gradual process. In some children, the upper or lower jaw grows too much or too little, resulting in a jaw deformity. In some cases, the growth of both jaws can be affected as well. These deformities can be mild or more severe, with the more severe abnormalities requiring surgical intervention. This abnormal growth can cause problems with the alignment of your child’s teeth, which can affect the ability to speak and chew. Malocclusion (an improper bite) can also cause long-term problems with the teeth and gums.
A jaw abnormality can be isolated (meaning the child does not have a syndrome or condition associated with the jaw abnormality), or the abnormality may occur in conjunction with another craniofacial anomaly such as cleft lip and cleft palate or Pierre Robin sequence.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will obtain your child’s medical history and complete a detailed physical and dental evaluation. Imaging tests may also be conducted in conjunction with this evaluation in order to create an individualized treatment plan.
Treatments for jaw deformities include:
For many patients, a combination of surgical and orthodontic treatment yields the best results.
Visit the following website for more information on jaw deformities.
Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.
Learn more about the causes of and treatment for malocclusion (the improper alignment of the teeth), a common side effect of a jaw deformity.
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.
Cleft & Craniofacial Anomalies Program
575 Riley Hospital Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46202
