Prognathism? Misaligned teeth?

[kellyds]

Joshua has four teeth now . . . two on top and two on the bottom. The bottom teeth stick up over the top teeth instead of the top teeth coming down over the bottom teeth.

I've googled it. It looks like it's called prognathism and is common in people with Down syndrome. It says it's correctible, but I can't find HOW it's corrected. My husband (who's a nurse) thinks it might be something that is only correctible through facial surgery, and I'm hoping it's a dental issue (like braces, maybe).

Of course, we'll have him examined. But, until then, I'm wondering if anyone else's child has had teeth like this and what, if anything, was done about it.

This sounds horrible, but I keep thinking of Bubba's jawline in Forrest Gump.

I don't think I'd have cosmetic surgery done to eliminate the typical facial characteristics of Down syndrome, which I've heard some parents are doing. But, I sure wouldn't be beyond correcting a significant deformity in any of our children, DS or not. A lower jaw that sticks that far forward interferes with speech and a whole lot more.

Whaddya think?

[kristin]

Kelly ~ I just looked it up too... I copied this from the Riverbend Down Syndrome website:

"Poor occlusion (bite) is almost universal in individuals with Down syndrome. This is due to the under development of the mid face. The upper arch is usually not as large as it should be resulting in an underbite in the anterior region and often a cross bite in the back teeth. Certain appliances such as palatal expanders can be used during the childhood years to help expand the upper arch and promote a healthier bite."

Maybe if you have a family orthodontist, they'd be able to give you some tips. I know a "simple underbite" is correctable through dental appliances, like it says above. Another site I looked at said an underbite in a toddler (but not necessarily a toddler with DS) is common, and many times corrects itself. You could also have a pediatric dentist take a look. I'm sure the issue is a little more complicated because of DS, due to the flexibility of joints, etc. I do know of one 11 year old boy in our support group with a pretty significant underbite, and he is in braces and having good success. I do not think he has had or is slated for any surgery (good news!)

A speech therapist might be able to give you some ideas about early language and how an underbite would effect that, too.

Good luck!

[Jackie]

I could be wrong about this...but I think the surgery for this has to be done after the person is through growing.

My son who is 30 now(non DS)...had surgery for this very thing when he was about 19. He wore braces for a long time and frankly I never thought it was that noticeable...like Jay Leno...but the orthodontist and dentist said...it would mean that his bite would be off enough that he would eventually grind down his teeth.

It's not very pleasant surgery. He had to spend several days in the hospital and then had his jaw wired shut for almost a month. Personally I couldn't tell much difference in his appearance after it was over but his dental people were extremely pleased with the outcome.

Emily does not have this problem...but her teeth were somewhat misaligned and she did wear braces for 2 years...she did really well with them.

Maybe you will be lucky and not have to do this.

Jackie mom to Emily 25

[Chris]

I am sure that surgery won't be necessary if your child has orthodonic treatments while he is still young (not an adult). I had an overbite and had jaw surgery when I was 30 back in 1989. For some odd reason, I wasn't worried about the pain. It was very painful and I had to go to the oral surgeon for therapy for several months. Ouch!

Sarah also seems to have a slight underbite and crossbite. We are going for her first dental appointment in a couple of weeks. I am sure your dentist will be able to tell you when Joshua is old enough to need a consultation with an orthodontist.

BTW, he looks perfect to me!

Chris

[feight05]

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