TL;DR:
- Habsburg lip (prognathism): Excessive forward protrusion of the facial bones (mandible, maxilla, or both). Named after the Habsburg dynasty, linked to genetic incest.
- Causes: Genetic inheritance, Crouzon or Gorlin syndrome, acromegaly, gigantism.
- Forms: Mandibular prognathism (protruding lower jaw), maxillary underdevelopment, or bicuspid prognathism (both jaws overgrown).
- Symptoms: Difficulty biting, chewing, speaking, closing mouth, increased tooth decay, and faster tooth loss.
- Treatment: Orthodontics (braces) combined with surgery to realign bones using plates; less invasive orthodontic treatment adjusts teeth but not bone shape.
- Hereditary: Often genetic; genetic counseling recommended for parents.
- Prevention: Impossible for genetic forms; orthodontics can address malocclusion.
- ICD-10 Classification: K07.1 (“Dentofacial abnormalities [including malocclusion]”).
A beautiful face with proper proportions is a dream that many people strive for. Unfortunately, as a result of genetic conditions and past trauma, facial symmetry is often disturbed. One such anomaly is precisely the so-called Habsburg lip, or prognathism, which manifests itself by excessive forward protrusion of the facial bones. This problem affects either the mandible itself, the maxilla or both at the same time. Admittedly, for prehistoric man, the proliferation of these bones was a perfectly normal phenomenon, but nowadays it is considered a serious malocclusion.
Habsburg lip – what is it?
The Habsburg lip called prognathism is nothing more than a condition involving excessive forward extension of the facial bones. The development of the maxillary bones and the mandible is disturbed. As a result of evolution, the bones of the maxilla and mandible receded, and today their excessive growth is commonly considered a dysfunction. The norm is orthognathism, which is a slight forward protrusion of these bones. The condition got its name from the Habsburg Dynasty, in which it occurred on a genetic basis. It resulted from a number of abnormalities in the material, arising from incestuous relationships among members of the family. Monarchs with the condition include Charles V of Habsburg, Ferdinand I of Habsburg, Ferdinand II of Habsburg, Ferdinand III of Habsburg and Charles II of Habsburg.
What causes a Habsburg lip?
Habsburg lip can be due to genetic conditions, in which case it takes the form of a congenital, inherited defect – quite like the Habsburgs. Very often this problem can also be seen in people with Crouzon syndrome and Gorlin syndrome. The defect associated with prognathism can also appear in people who suffer from endocrine disorders, such as acromegaly or gigantism.
What is the Habsburg lip problem?
Habsburg lip takes different forms, which depend on the bones affected by the condition. If the problem affects the mandible, then the lower jaw, along with the chin, is protruded forward. A receding upper jaw, on the other hand, is either the result of its underdevelopment or an optical illusion caused by an excessively forward protruding chin. Prognathism of the jaw is an overgrown jawbone. Although the patient has a correct jaw structure, it may appear as if the jaw is underdeveloped. Bicuspid prognathism, on the other hand, is a condition in which both the jaw and mandible are overgrown and protrude excessively forward relative to the rest of the face.
What are the symptoms of habsburg lip?
Habsburg lip, due to the many forms it can take, gives different symptoms. However, the patient will always struggle with difficulty biting foods and chewing them. He or she may also notice trouble with pronunciation, articulation of sounds or salivation. Some people complain of difficulty closing their mouths and bringing their lips together. This, in turn, can result in a greater propensity for tooth decay. Misalignment of teeth in the jaw relative to the mandible is a cause of bite overload. As a result, sufferers can lose teeth much faster than those with a normal bite.
How to treat a habsburg lip?
Treatment of a habsburg lip requires orthodontic or orthodontic-surgical intervention. Often orthodontics is combined with surgery, as this gives the teeth the opportunity to be correctly aligned with each other. It also results in a change in facial features and a reduction in facial size, which is especially important for patients who struggle with this condition. The treatment process for a Habsburg lip involves the use of two fixed braces on each dental arch. This is followed by the surgical procedure. The doctor performs bicuspid surgery, cutting through the bones of the mandible and maxilla, which are then aligned and fixed with special plates to the desired position.
Treatment can also take place with the intervention of the orthodontist himself, who positions the teeth correctly in the bite. It is often necessary to remove premolar teeth. This is a less invasive measure, but the patient must be aware that orthodontic treatment does not give the opportunity to change the facial features – the bones will still remain overgrown – only the teeth are set. In the case of a single-jaw procedure that involves the correction of anomalies in the mandible. A two-jaw procedure involves shortening the mandibular shaft and realigning the upper jaw relative to it. The specialist cuts and activates the bones to then fuse the bone fragments together using special screws and titanium plates.
Is a habsburg lip hereditary?
Patients who face the occurrence of a Habsburg lip in terms of genetics, and are planning to have offspring, should go for a consultation with a geneticist. The specialist will determine the likelihood of the disease in the offspring. Unfortunately, if the condition has a hereditary basis, it is impossible to eliminate its occurrence in children. However, the probability of contracting the disease can be assessed.
Is it possible to prevent hapsburg lipoma?
Unfortunately, the occurrence of Habsburg lip, which is caused by genetic conditions, cannot be prevented. A protruding jaw may simply be part of a person and not be a problem for them. Jaw reshaping can be prevented by proper tooth alignment. A dentist or orthodontist can place braces, retainers or special mouthguards on the patient's teeth to help correct the malocclusion. Patients who face the occurrence of habsburg lip genetically, and are planning to have offspring, should go for a consultation with a geneticist. The specialist will determine the likelihood of the disease in the offspring. Unfortunately, usually if the condition has a hereditary basis, it is impossible to eliminate its occurrence in children. However, the probability of contracting the disease can be assessed.
How is prognathism classified in ICD-10?
The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Problems ICD-10 classifies the problem of the Habsburg lip in category K – "diseases of the digestive system," in subcategory 07 "Dentofacial abnormalities [including malocclusion]" and subtype 1 "Abnormalities of the ratio of the jaws to the base of the skull." The disease entry in ICD-10 is thus: K07.1.
Conclusion
Habsburg lip, or prognathism, is a condition of excessive jaw bone growth. It can affect the mandible, maxilla, or both, leading to issues like difficulty eating, speaking, or closing the mouth. While genetic factors are a common cause, other conditions like endocrine disorders can also contribute. Treatment often requires orthodontic and surgical intervention to align the jaw and teeth properly. Prevention isn’t always possible, especially in hereditary cases, but proper dental care can help mitigate some effects. Addressing this condition improves both function and quality of life, highlighting the importance of expert medical attention.
