HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is There Any Chance That Missing Teeth Would Effect Jaw Size?

Dear Doctors,



I was wondering if missing teeth (incisors on bottom row) could affect jaw/chin size? Reason I ask is it seems that my chin has grown smaller over the years. I'm 23 now and have had missing bottom row teeth since I was 12. My kid pictures (before 12 years of age) seemed to show my chin being a lot bigger than it is now.



I have heard that missing teeth can cause bone resorption and particularly if its on the bottom row, the lack of pressure on the bone nerve will cause the chin to shrink. Is this true? Thanks.
Fri, 8 Aug 2014
Report Abuse
Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,  's  Response
Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query.
The size of the jaw or chin is not determined by the teeth. The jaw size determines the presence or absence of teeth. The missing teeth could be of genetic origin. The chin size might be looking relatively small because of the missing teeth. Consult a oral physician and get it evaluated. You have to take radiographs. If it is really deficient bone then you can go for grafting and genioplasty procedures.
I hope my answer will help you, take care.

I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Oral surgery


Loading Online Doctors....
Is There Any Chance That Missing Teeth Would Effect Jaw Size?

Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query. The size of the jaw or chin is not determined by the teeth. The jaw size determines the presence or absence of teeth. The missing teeth could be of genetic origin. The chin size might be looking relatively small because of the missing teeth. Consult a oral physician and get it evaluated. You have to take radiographs. If it is really deficient bone then you can go for grafting and genioplasty procedures. I hope my answer will help you, take care.