Umbrella term?
Discrepancies involving teeth and jaws.
← All explanationsDentofacial discrepancy (dysgnathia)
What is meant by a jaw or dentofacial discrepancy?
Dysgnathia is an umbrella term for discrepancies in tooth or jaw positions and how they fit together. Jaw size, position and the relationship between the dental arches may be involved. Function, symptoms, growth and individual findings determine whether and how treatment is considered.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Separate teeth and jaw bases
A dental discrepancy concerns tooth position. A skeletal discrepancy concerns the jaw bases. Both may contribute.
Assess function
Assessment includes the bite, chewing and growth. A profile photograph alone does not establish medical treatment need.
Plan the appropriate pathway
Some findings can be managed orthodontically; others require consideration of combined orthodontic and surgical care. Surgery is not automatic.
At a glance
Always treat?
Individual assessment determines this.
First step?
Dental and, when appropriate, orthodontic assessment.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Separate teeth and jaw bases
A dental discrepancy concerns tooth position. A skeletal discrepancy concerns the jaw bases. Both may contribute.
Assess function
Assessment includes the bite, chewing and growth. A profile photograph alone does not establish medical treatment need.
Plan the appropriate pathway
Some findings can be managed orthodontically; others require consideration of combined orthodontic and surgical care. Surgery is not automatic.
Often confused
Dysgnathia and TMD
Dysgnathia describes dental or jaw discrepancies. TMD concerns disorders and symptoms of the masticatory system. One term does not establish the other.
Quick answers
Does the word always mean severe disease?
No. It includes a wide range of findings and does not alone establish symptoms or treatment need.
Is surgery always necessary?
No. Surgical involvement depends on the type and extent of the discrepancy.
Does a jaw discrepancy automatically explain TMD?
No. Jaw symptoms can have several causes. A bite discrepancy alone does not establish TMD.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Does the discrepancy involve the teeth, the jaw bases or both?
Questions about the bite or jaw positions can be assessed and referred for specialist review where needed.
Discuss jaw relationshipsAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Dentoalveolar
- Relating to teeth and their supporting alveolar bone.
- Skeletal
- Relating to the bony jaw bases.
- Orthognathic surgery
- Surgical correction of selected jaw discrepancies.
Make the distinction
Dysgnathia describes dental or jaw discrepancies. TMD concerns disorders and symptoms of the masticatory system. One term does not establish the other.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.