Synopsis:

Patient adaptation and how we breathe affects facial growth and development. Soft tissue such as the tongue, lips, cheeks, tonsils and adenoids influence jaw and dento-alveolar 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 for comprehensive treatment.  The lips are the most important functional unit when it comes to performing these functions. Lip form and position are all influenced by the teeth, the temporomandibular joints, the airway, and the skeleton. If this system is not working correctly, it will be seen in the lips. If the lips are not working correctly, the system can break down.  The discussion will center on how to identify oro-facial problems that affect the lips. It will show how treating these problems can deliver beautiful facial results by normalizing the patient's lip position, form, AND function.

Learning objectives:

• Understand how breathing habits can alter skeletal growth
• Learn about how patient adaptations secondary to airway blockage can lead to common malocclusions like underbites, overbites, open bites, and clockwise growth patterns.
• Learn about interdisciplinary treatment and intervention strategies for various ages