What Are the Common Types of Maxillofacial Deformities?
Posted on 7/15/2024 by New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery
A maxillofacial deformity is any condition that causes abnormalities in the soft tissues and bones of the face and jaw. These defects can significantly affect facial function and aesthetics and often require specialized treatment by a maxillofacial surgeon. Here is an overview of three common types of maxillofacial deformities.
Congenital Maxillofacial Deformities
Congenital maxillofacial deformities are facial defects an individual acquires from birth. The most well-known congenital facial defect is cleft lip and palate. They occur when tissues forming the lip or the roof of the mouth fail to fuse properly. This results in a visible separation in the lip or palate, leading to feeding, speech development, and dental health challenges. Fortunately, the condition is treatable and has a high success rate when corrected in childhood.
Injury-related Maxillofacial Deformities
As the name implies, injury-related maxillofacial deformities are abnormalities an individual develops later in life due to injuries to the face, jaw, and teeth. Common causes of these facial defects include car accidents, workplace accidents, and sports-related injuries.
Injury-related facial defects can range in severity from a chipped tooth or a fractured jaw to broken bones in the upper maxillary. While minor injury-related facial deformities typically affect the facial and dental aesthetics of the patient, severe cases can cause difficulties in everyday functions like speaking, breathing, and eating.
Developmental Maxillofacial Deformities
Developmental maxillofacial deformities are caused by inconsistent development in one or more aspects of the facial skeleton. One common developmental facial disorder is maxillary hypoplasia, which involves underdevelopment or deficiency in the upper jaw (maxilla). The condition usually manifests as a recessed upper jaw, often leading to facial asymmetry and dental malocclusion.
Another developmental disorder known to cause facial defects is hemifacial microsomia. This condition is characterized by underdevelopment of the structures on one side of the face. It can affect the soft tissue, bones, and sometimes the ear. Depending on the severity, it can cause mild asymmetry to more pronounced facial deformities.
Contact Us Today
While maxillofacial deformities vary in their causes, nearly all can be treated successfully. If you are suffering from a facial defect due to injury, congenital, or developmental reasons, contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our maxillofacial surgeons.
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A maxillofacial deformity is any condition that causes abnormalities in the soft tissues and bones of the face and jaw. These defects can significantly affect facial function and aesthetics and often require specialized treatment by a maxillofacial surgeon. Here is an overview of three common types of maxillofacial deformities.