Should The Jaw Angles Be In Alignment With The Corners Of The Mouth?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a question for you pertaining to custom jaw implant design, particularly in regards to the vertical length of the ramus. Based on my research, it seems an optimum aesthetic result in men is one where the jaw angles are in line with the labial commissure of the mouth (and not below the lower lip) when the head is looking straight at the camera. How would you incorporate this in an implant design to achieve this effect given that the teeth are not always a good indication (i.e., that depends on the face’s forward growth)? I very much look forward to your opinion on this. 

A: When it comes to the best jaw angle shape and placement in any patient this must be determined in an individual basis. I am well aware of the research to which you speak and, while this may be a  general guideline, it is theoretical based on averages and most certainly does not apply to every male jawline augmentation patient in my experience. This is where the role of computer imaging is essential in preoperative planning to find the jaw angle location that looks best to the patient.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis Indiana