ASSOCIATION OF LIP PASTURE AND THE DIMENSIONS OF THE TONSILS AND SAGITTAL AIRWAY WITH FACIAL MORPHOLOGY

The specific contribution of enlarged tonsils or adenoids to craniofac ial growth remains unknown, and there is no agreement in the literatur e as to the significance of lip posture. This study assessed the separ ate associations of lip posture, sagittal airway size, and tonsil size with selected cephalometric measures. Clinical and cephalometric data of 207 children who presented for evaluation of tonsil and/or adenoid problems were evaluated. Multiple linear regression was used to asses s the linear relationship between each of the three parameters and the cephalometric dependent variables. Open lip posture, reduced sagittal airway, and large tonsils were each associated statistically with a c haracteristic but different skeletal configuration. This association w as proportional. Specifically, a more open lip posture was associated with a more backwardly rotated face and larger lower facial height. Re duced sagittal airway size was associated with en bloc backward reloca tion of the maxilla and mandible. Because the sella-nasion dimension s hortened proportionally, the SNA and SNB angles were not affected. Lar ger tonsils were associated with more forward relocation and rotation of the maxilla and mandible and increased SNA and SNB angles. Because each of the three parameters was associated proportionally with a diff erent craniofacial morphology, it is concluded that lip posture, sagit tal airway size, and tonsil size represent three different and unrelat ed phenomena with respect to their effects on craniofacial growth and form.