Prognathism (redirected from underbite)

Prognathism 

(underbite, underjet), a type of occlusion, usually congenital, in which the mandibular teeth cover the corresponding maxillary teeth when the jaws are in centric occlusion; the alveolar process of maxilla may be in a correct position or inclined forward (or protruding). The lower jaw protrudes considerably forward; the chin and lower lip protrude prominently, and the upper lip seems to regress. In early childhood, prognathism is corrected by orthodontic methods, and in adults by surgical intervention.

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Prognathism 

in anthropology, facial protrusion in a vertical plane. Facial prognathism is the protrusion of the entire face, while alveolar prognathism is the protrusion of only the alveolar (dental) portion of the upper jaw. Facial prognathism is measured by the facial angle, and alveolar prognathism is measured by the angle of the alveolar portion of the face. Prognathism is more typical of southern Mongoloids and representatives of the Equatorial race, although it also occurs in other racial groups.