3 Things Affecting Facial Development

What impacts the way our face develops? Our face is in many ways, our identity, who we are to the world, and the first thing people see in their minds when they think of us. The way our face looks impacts our self-image and our self-esteem. But the degree of completion our facial development reaches also impacts several health-related factors as well. So what affects our facial development?

Craniofacial Development Influencers

Popular modern dentistry is centered around creating beautiful smiles, but what if it could also create more functional smiles at the same time? And on top of that, faces that framed that smile in a healthier way? Neuromuscular orthodontics and face-forward dentistry provide for this need. There are three primary structures that are the most influential in the way the head and face develop:

• Tongue
• Temporomandibular joint
• Airway

1. Tongue

The tongue’s resting position in the mouth is an important factor in the way a person’s face develops. For example, when a person doesn’t rest their tongue at the top of their mouth it can prevent them from breathing properly and subsequently how their jaw develops. Additionally, when someone rests their tongue on the floor of their mouth routinely, it can cause the appearance of a double chin and a more rounded profile. 

A person’s tongue can also influence their susceptibility to mouth breathing. By regularly intaking oxygen through nasal breathing, it can lead the midface to not grow properly and the lower face to narrow and elongate.

2. Temporomandibular joint

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ)  is another important factor in the development of a person’s face. A TMJ that develops incorrectly or becomes dysfunctional can encourage dental crowding and underdeveloped jaws. As one of the most complex joints in the body, the TMJ is vulnerable to behavioral influences such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and trauma. All of which can alter the course of the jaw joint’s development. 

3. Airway

In addition to the influences tongue posture and resulting mouth breathing have, airway development can also change the shape of a person’s face. For example, poor airway development can change the way someone holds their face. Someone who does not breathe through their nose will generally hold their mouth slightly open. Poor airway development and improper tongue posturing can also lead to sleep apnea which can cause dark circles under the eyes and general fatigued features in the face such as wrinkles.

The Epigenetic Solution to Poor Facial Development

Modifying behaviors and altering environmental stressors to facial development early can have significant effects on a person’s facial features. However, through growth guidance and remodeling guidance treatments, patients can also see noticeable improvement in their faces. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Buck, patients can call our office at 425-361-7499.