ABSTRACT
It is. commonly assumed that nasorespiratory function can exert a dramatic effect upon the development of the dentofacial complex. Specially, it has been stated that chronic nasal obstruction leads to mouth breathing, which causes altered tongue and mandibular positions. If this occurs during a period of active growth, :the .outcome is development of the "adenoid facies". Such patients characteristically: manifest a vertically long lower third facial height, narrow alar bases, lip incompetence, a long and narrow maxillary arch and a greater than normal mandibular plane angle. But several authors have reported that so-called adenoid facies is not always associated with adenoids and mouth breathing, and that a particular type of dentition is not alwarys found in mouth breathers with or without adenoids. Some authors have believed adenoids lead to mouth breathing in cases with particular facial characteristics and types of dentition. We assumed that the ability to adapt to individual's neuromuscular complex is various. So, we compared the difference of influence of mouth breathing between childrens who have different facial types. This study included 60 patients and they were divided into three groups by Rickett's facial type. Their dentition and tongue position were compared. The results are as follows. 1. There is a significant difference in arch width of upper molars between different facial types. Especially dolichofacial type patients have narrowest arch width. 2. There is a significant difference in tongue position between different facial types. Especially dolichofacial type patients have lowest positioned tongue.