Orthodontic Assistant Practice Exam

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What condition describes the mandible being positioned ahead of the maxilla?

Micrognathism
Prognathism
Retrognathism
Malocclusion

The correct answer is: Prognathism

Prognathism refers to a condition where the mandible (lower jaw) is positioned further forward than the maxilla (upper jaw). This anatomical positioning can lead to a class of malocclusion where the bite relationship is affected, often resulting in an overbite or other dental alignment issues. In such cases, the individual's facial profile may also appear different due to the discrepancy in jaw positioning. This is in contrast to other terms in the question; for instance, micrognathism relates to an undersized mandible, retrognathism describes a condition where the mandible is positioned behind the maxilla, and malocclusion broadly refers to any misalignment of the teeth and jaws without specifically indicating the forward or backward position of the jaw structures. Therefore, the definition of prognathism precisely matches the condition of the mandible being ahead of the maxilla.