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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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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
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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.

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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.