orthognathism

A patient's orthognathism is assessed during a dental examination.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Condition of having a straight jaw: "orthognathism" refers to the state or quality of having a jaw that is not protruding or receding, but rather aligned vertically in relation to the facial profile.

Usage Examples

• (The skull showed a straight, non-protruding jaw.)
• (Straightening the jaw to a normal position.)

Advanced Usage

• "Orthognathic surgery": a surgical procedure to correct jaw alignment and improve orthognathism.
  • The patient underwent orthognathic surgery to achieve proper orthognathism. (Surgery to straighten the jaw.)

Variants and Related Words

• Orthognathic (adj): relating to or characterized by orthognathism.

  • The orthognathic profile of the statue was admired for its classical beauty. (The statue had a straight jawline.)

• Orthognathous (adj): having a straight jaw; synonym of orthognathic.

  • Many modern humans are orthognathous, unlike some ancient hominids. (They have straight jaws.)

Synonyms

• Straight jaw: a jaw that is not protruding or receding.
• Vertical jaw alignment: the proper positioning of the jaw in a vertical plane.

Related Idioms