Menton: the lowest point of the chin
Quick facts
- Definition
- The lowest point of the chin contour, in profile, on bone or soft tissue.
- Not to be confused with
- The pogonion is the most forward point of the chin; the gnathion is a point between the pogonion and the menton.
- Main use
- Closing off the lower third and measuring lower facial height.
- Relevance in HOF
- Guides chin height and the reading of the cervicomental angle.
The menton is the lowest point of the chin contour, seen in profile. It marks the lower limit of the face and is the end point for measuring the lower third and total facial height. It can be described on bone (in the analysis of X-rays) or on soft tissue (in the analysis of photos and the clinical exam).
How does the menton differ from the neighboring points?
The points of the chin look like relatives, and confusion is common. In simple terms:
| Point | Where it is |
|---|---|
| Pogonion | The most forward (projecting to the front) |
| Gnathion | A point between the pogonion and the menton, at the point of greatest convexity |
| Menton | The lowest |
The difference is visible in profile. A chin that is "forward" has an advanced pogonion; a "high" or "low" chin changes the position of the menton in relation to the base of the nose. Keeping the vocabulary correct makes communication easier between HOF, orthodontics and surgery.
Why does the menton matter in the assessment?
Three practical uses:
- Lower third height: the distance from the subnasale to the menton is part of the proportion analysis, and an increased or decreased height changes the design of the face.
- Cervicomental angle: the meeting of neck and chin depends on the position of the menton and defines the look of the submental area (see cervicomental angle).
- Chin planning: in a small chin (microgenia) or a recessed one (retrogenia), knowing whether the problem is one of projection (pogonion) or height (menton) changes the reasoning.
Care when treating the chin
Chin filler is one of the most frequent interventions in the lower third, and it requires attention to the nerves and vessels of the area. The risks of swelling, bruising, asymmetry, nodules and, more rarely, vascular occlusion exist. When hyaluronic acid is used, hyaluronidase must be available. Which volume, product and technique to use is the qualified professional's decision, after assessment.
How do you explain it to the patient?
In Harmy
The Chin point of the marking simulates filler in the chin area, seen from the front, with the volume in ml entered. The app does not analyze the profile or distinguish pogonion, gnathion and menton. The simulation is illustrative and the reading of those points remains clinical.
Also called: soft tissue menton, lowest point of the chin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the menton, gnathion and pogonion?
The pogonion is the most forward point of the chin, the menton is the lowest, and the gnathion lies between the two, at the point of greatest convexity. They all describe the same bone at different positions.