Influence of respiratory pattern on craniofacial growth

The purpose of this paper has been to explore the relationship between upper airway obstruction and craniofacial growth. A review of the literature and of a preliminary study by the author in collaboration with investigators at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh indicate both the spectrum of skeletal and dental configurations which are associated with upper airway obstruction and the significant changes in patterns of facial growth which are observed following removal of the obstruction. Four clinical cases were presented.