Right to Grow

Dr. Barry Raphael discusses the need for early treatment, early identification of vertical and retrusive growth patterns, and most importantly, early good habits such as a closed mouth, rest oral posture with the tongue up against the palate, nasal breathing, good posture, and how these can positively influence forward growth of the face.  He also discusses how forward growth of the face is imperative for growth of the airway, further stressing the need for these good habits.  He believes that the next stage of evolution in the orthodontic profession is in the correction of habits at an early stage and his message to parents is two fold:  One, make sure your child is breathing through his nose with his mouth shut and two, never limit the forward or lateral growth of the face, rather, do everything you can to encourage it.