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The mandible, or lower jaw, determines much of the facial profile and the alignment of the upper and lower teeth. The teeth must be properly aligned for a normal dental bite.
Review Date 2/5/2025
Updated by: Tang Ho, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.