[Functional hierarchy and mandibular esthetics]

The purpose of the present study based on the comparison of two populations showing a different average of age, was to see the possible action of the tongue on the mandibular morphology. This study included the examination of norma lateralis teleradiographs, while both facial and lingual musculatures were in rest position. If it appears that older subjects show a close correlation between mandibular divergence and lingual height, this relation doesn't take place in younger subjects although they present an earlier mandibular hyperdivergence. May breathing, a function hierarchically of the highest importance be more determinant in lower face organisation than deglutition and lingual equilibrium?