Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Binder syndrome

A rare condition in which the middle part of the face, including the upper jaw and nose, is underdeveloped.

Understanding Binder syndrome

Binder syndrome is a rare developmental condition with an underdeveloped midface, mainly the front of the upper jaw and the nose.

It is noticed in newborns. Features can include a short, flat nose, a flat face, a small upper jaw, missing or small teeth, an open bite, and sometimes cleft palate or spine differences such as scoliosis.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Flat face and flat, short nose
  • Small upper jaw
  • Missing or small teeth
  • Open bite
  • Cleft palate
  • Scoliosis

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include ear, nose, and throat specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    World Craniofacial Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: World Craniofacial Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with World Craniofacial Foundation and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Is genetic testing available to look for the cause?
Which specialists (jaw, teeth, nose) should plan care?
Should the spine be checked for scoliosis?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant, Autosomal Recessive

Changes in genes cause this condition. It can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive way.

Genetic

Also known as: binder type maxillonasal dysplasia; maxillonasal dysostosis; maxillonasal dysplasia; maxillonasal dysplasia syndrome

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Binder syndromeGARD ID 6992 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Binder syndrome.

Explore the Binder syndrome blog

Explore research for Binder syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Binder syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Binder syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Binder syndrome studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Binder syndrome

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Binder syndrome

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Binder syndrome experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.