Why do we have malocclusion?

Airway Centered Expert in Lynnwood near Bothell, Mill Creek, Brier, and Mountlake Terrace

The Untold Story of Facial Growth: Breathing Shapes Beauty

The contrast between these two adults tells a compelling story—one that goes far beyond genetics. On the left, we see the unmistakable signs of altered facial growth in someone who struggled with poor nasal breathing during childhood. The effects are structural, functional, and aesthetic: underdeveloped jaws, imbalanced features, and a compromised airway. On the right, we see the transformative power of proper nasal breathing during the critical years of facial development. Her face reflects balanced jaw growth, harmonious proportions, and enhanced attractiveness—an outcome not of luck, but of function.

This comparison powerfully illustrates a growing truth in modern healthcare: facial development is not simply inherited. While we may carry genetic blueprints, those blueprints are constantly being edited by our environment. A diet rich in inflammatory triggers and chronic mouth breathing during early life can corrupt that genetic potential, leading to underdeveloped facial structures once attributed solely to heredity.

We now understand that it’s not about what genes you’re born with—it’s about how those genes are expressed. Proper nasal breathing, particularly during the formative years, activates the natural pathways for healthy jaw and facial growth. This is not just a cosmetic concern—it’s about lifelong airway health, function, and well-being.

The exciting message here is this: you’re not simply stuck with the face you inherited. Through early awareness, intervention, and proper function—especially nasal breathing—we have the power to reclaim the full genetic potential of facial development and set the stage for a healthier, more vibrant life.

The Hidden Impact of Diet and Breathing on Facial Growth

In today’s world, our daily diet bears little resemblance to that of our ancestors. Instead of nutrient-dense, whole foods, we are now surrounded by an abundance of packaged, processed products filled with refined sugars, synthetic additives, and chemically altered staples. This modern nutritional landscape is not just a deviation from tradition—it’s a direct assault on our biology. The result? A chronic state of inflammation and allergic response that often begins in the most overlooked place: the nose.

One of the most startling and widespread findings in young children today is a profound inability to breathe consistently through the nose. Inflamed, congested, and dysfunctional nasal passages force many children into mouth breathing during the most critical years of facial development. In fact, studies now reveal that the majority of six-year-olds do not breathe through their noses as nature intended.

This isn’t a trivial concern. Humans are obligate nasal breathers by design. The shift to chronic mouth breathing during growth corrupts the natural blueprint for facial and jaw development—not because the genes are faulty, but because their expression is being shaped by harmful environmental influences. This epigenetic disruption is one of the leading causes of underdeveloped jaws, crowded teeth, and altered facial structure.

Dr. Buck believes that the earlier we can identify these breathing dysfunctions and assess the trajectory of jaw growth, the better our ability to intervene in a meaningful way. Early screening opens a critical window to correct these growth patterns—restoring full jaw development, creating space for naturally aligned permanent teeth, and supporting balanced, beautiful facial harmony. In short, by restoring proper breathing, we unlock the genetic potential for optimal growth and health.

Unlocking the Hidden Impact of Malocclusion and Oral Posture

Malocclusion—commonly referred to as a “bad bite”—is far more than just a dental inconvenience. It’s a widespread condition affecting the vast majority of today’s population, and its consequences ripple far beyond crooked teeth. At its core, malocclusion arises when the jaws fail to reach their full structural potential in size, shape, or position. When the upper jaw doesn’t develop properly, the lower jaw must compensate—often shifting backward or repositioning in ways that dramatically alter facial structure and balance.

What may appear on the surface as simple dental crowding often masks deeper, more consequential issues. In fact, poor jaw development is strongly linked to a range of health challenges including sleep-disordered breathing (OSA), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and even negative changes to the cervical spine and structural pain and breakdown. These are not isolated issues—they stem from a foundational breakdown in how the oral structures were meant to grow and function.

A major contributor to this breakdown is chronic mouth breathing. This is not just a benign habit—it is a red flag signaling poor oral posture and compromised airway health. At the heart of mouth breathing lies a consistently low tongue posture. When the tongue fails to rest fully and naturally against the roof of the mouth, ideal “rest oral posture” is lost. This seemingly small shift has massive consequences: the upper jaw fails to expand properly, facial bones do not grow in harmony, and the airway becomes more prone to collapse. The absence of full tongue-to-palate contact undermines the very architecture of the face and the stability of the airway.

The tongue is nature’s orthopedic guide to facial development. Its position shapes the maxilla, supports nasal breathing, and drives the growth forces that form the foundation of healthy oral function. Without proper tongue posture—especially during critical growth years—the opportunity for ideal facial and airway development is lost.

Jaw growth happens most rapidly and most significantly between the ages of 5 and 12. That window is a powerful time to assess, intervene, and redirect growth in a healthier direction. Yet, outdated beliefs still linger in the field of orthodontics. Many continue to operate under the assumption that jaw growth is genetically fixed, rendering early intervention unnecessary. This view has been thoroughly debunked.

Modern research confirms that jaw growth is not simply inherited—it is epigenetically driven. That means our environment, habits, and muscle functions—how we chew, swallow, breathe, and where we place our tongue—play the dominant role in shaping our jaws. In short, function dictates form.

Understanding these principles shifts the focus of care from symptom management to true prevention and transformation. The earlier we identify and address the signs of disrupted growth, the more profound and lasting the impact we can make—not just in the smile, but in the health and vitality of

the whole body.