The Way We Breathe Influences Facial Growth and Development

How we breathe affects facial growth and development. Soft tissue such as the tongue, lips, cheeks, tonsils and adenoids influences growth. Certain habits and airway-related issues can contribute to adverse skeletal changes.

In this lecture, we will discuss how soft tissue and breathing patterns influence skeletal growth. We will examine similar malocclusions in children and adults, and discuss how the treatment plans differ, depending on the age and skeletal maturation of the patient. For adolescents, our treatment plans will focus on growth modification. For adults, we will explore both surgical and non-surgical options, including adult TAD expansion, as we derive the ideal comprehensive treatment plan.