How Much Jaw Angle Augmentation Do I Need?

Q: Dr. Eppley, What would you say is the maximum amount of vertical increase an implant to the posterior mandible could achieve? 

What amount would seem ideal for my mandible in your opinion? 

Thank you

A: The amount of jaw angle augmentation that looks best to you is the ideal amount of change. To help you think about that those type of changes I have attached some imaging looking at differing amounts of change. I would also caution you that using the side view along in assessing jaw angle changes can be deceiving. The more distinct the jaw angle becomes in the side view the longer or boxier the face will become in the front view. So all jaw augmentation imaging should be done from a multiview assessment to understand how one view affects the other views.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana