The muscles of our mouth and face are nature’s living orthodontic equalizers. They can have a great influence on the movement and position of our teeth.
Tooth position is ever-changing, so they can be altered and moved by muscular influence from the jaws, lips, tongue, and cheeks.The same forces used by orthodontics can also be used by the tongue to move teeth.
Ideally, a balance of forces exists between the lips and cheeks on the outside of the teeth, and the tongue on the inside of the teeth.
Any imbalances affect the growth, comfort, and position of the teeth and jaw.
The most significant type of muscular imbalance to affect the oral and facial structures is called a “tongue thrust” or “reverse swallow.”