The lower jaw (mandible) supports the bottom row of teeth and gives shape to the lower face and chin. This is the bone that moves as the mouth opens and closes. The upper jaw (maxilla) holds the upper teeth, shapes the middle of the face, and supports the nose.

Is the chin a separate bone?

The left and right halves of the lower jaw, or mandible, begin originally as two distinct bones, but in the second year of life the two bones fuse at the midline to form one. The horizontal central part on each side is the body of the mandible.

Why does my chin bone stick out?

When a person has a chin that sticks out too much or too little, it often indicates a problem with the entire jawbone and the teeth may not line up correctly (overbite or underbite). If this is the case, Orthognathic surgery should be considered.