ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Dentofacial Anomalies

What is dentofacial anomalies?

22 January 2026

This refers to malformations of multi-causal origin in the bony development of the jaw and maxilla, presenting as dental and skeletal alterations that break the symmetry of the face and affect physiology to a greater or lesser extent, causing a variety of symptoms.

There are several types of dentofacial anomalies, among the most common are

  • Maxillary Hypoplasia: Underdeveloped growth of the upper jaw (maxilla).
  • Maxillary Hyperplasia: Excessive development of the upper jaw (maxilla).
  • Prognathism: Protruding projection of the lower jaw (mandible), often out of alignment with the upper jaw.
  • Open Bite: When there is no contact between the central teeth (incisors), which can be a consequence of a dental or skeletal malformation.
  • Retrognathia: A retracted jaw that appears sunken in the face.

Signs and symptoms Dentofacial Anomalies

  • Headache.
  • Sore mouth.
  • Problems biting and chewing.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Worn teeth.
  • Malocclusion (improper bite).
  • Mouth breathing.
  • Oral dryness.
  • Sleep apnea.
  • Asymmetrical face.

Diagnosis and treatment Dentofacial Anomalies

After analyzing your symptoms and clinical history, the doctor will perform a physical examination and request various studies to identify the type, location, and severity of the anomaly you suffer from, including:

  • X-rays.
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

The treatment to follow will depend on the type of dentofacial anomaly you present, its severity, and the intensity of the symptoms you manifest, but typically requires corrective surgery, called orthognathic surgery, which seeks to restore the symmetry and balance of the face affected by the anomaly.

This type of surgical intervention requires coordinated work between:

  • Orthodontist.
  • Maxillofacial Surgeon.

In the Internal Medicine Department at Centro Médico ABC, we provide medical care services with the highest quality and safety, from the prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies, including both chronic-degenerative conditions and acute cases, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Related centers and departments Dentofacial Anomalies

Internal medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Sources:

  • topdoctors.es
  • cun.es
  • elsevier.es
  • middlesexhealth.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medlineplus.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Morales ND, Dago FS. Manejo integral estético de una anomalía dentofacial. Rev Cubana Estomatol. 2020;57(1):.
  • Mora MMA, Pesqueira MR, Hernández EG, et al. Alteración dentofacial clase III tratado con camuflaje: Reporte de caso clínico. Rev Mex Ortodon. 2015;3(1):62-69.
  • González RRM, Ochoa GDA, Silva FC, et al. Anomalías dentofaciales y hábitos deformantes en alumnos de una escuela primaria. Revista Habanera de Ciencias Médicas. 2012;11(4):464-473.
  • Malagón-Hidalgo HO, González-Magaña F, Cuevas-García LF, et al. Eficacia de la fijación intermaxilar con tornillos de titanio en pacientes con fracturas faciales y deformidades dentofaciales en el Centro Médico ISSEMyM. Cir Plast. 2017;27(3):113-119.

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