A Great Maxilla Gives Great Lips
A Great Maxilla Gives Great Lips
A face with great maxillary development is features a forward-projecting midface, which provides optimal structural support to the upper lip. This results in aesthetic lip features that contrast with underdeveloped (hypoplastic) maxilla — one that often gives a recessed or sunken, weak upper lip often seen in people with lip incompetence (open mouth posture)
More specifically
In a forward-positioned maxilla, the upper lip is well-supported, giving it a slightly forward-projecting placement and naturally good volume rather than a thin or flat appearance.
The angle between the boundary of the nose and the upper lip (nasolabial angle) is more or less straight (around 95°) A slightly "upturned" nose (obtuse angle) or 95° to 110° is considered more feminine, and a more "square" or right-angle of 90° to 95° is usually a masculine profile. But they both oscillate in that 90° to 110° range. Underdeveloped maxilla tends to create an acute (closed) naso-labial angle of less than 90° because the base of the nose does not have adequate support and the lip falls inward.
A drooping nasal tip (ptosic tip) will decrease the perception of the angle, while a rotated tip will increases it. In a well-developed (forward-grown) maxilla there is good nasal tip projection because the Anterior Nasal Spine (ANS) — the point of the maxilla directly under the base of the nose — is positioned more forward. This pushes the floor of the nose out, which naturally uplifts tip projection and prevents the tip of the nose from "falling" or drooping.
Then, there is the muscular rotation effect: When the maxilla is up and forward, it provides better tension on the depressor septi nasi muscle located at the base of the nose just above the upper lip. In an underdeveloped maxilla, this muscle can depress the tip downward (ptosis) because there isn't enough bony projection to resist the pull.
With excellent maxillary development, there is just right of upper teeth visibility (upper tooth display) (abt 2–4 mm). On the other hand, in situations of suboptimal mid face development, such as excessive vertical maxillary growth there is either a lack of tooth display or a "gummy smile" (gingival display) which results.
A well developed maxilla is the result of lip competence. That is when lips meet lightly and remain touching at rest. In this case there is no need for forceful effort from the orbicularis oris, buccinators or the mentalis muscles to close the mouth, which often occurs with the long-face growth patterns. Lip competence reduces the “meaty lips” look (bulging, protruding appearances) often associated with incompetent lips. Lip competence also prevents the “orange peel” dimpling of the habitually overworked mentalis muscle. Finally, lip competence is the natural seal that constantly holds and guides the mandible, and so stimulates the forward growth of the lower jaw, preventing a "weak" or recessed chin profile.
The subnasale (Sn’), or the subnasion point, is the place where the base of the nose (columella) meets the upper lip. The position of the subnasale (Sn’) is a key landmark in shaping the overall facial profile. It serves as the main transition point between the middle and lower thirds of the face, playing a central role in facial balance and aesthetics. The Sn’ serves as a key anchor for the upper lip. It is an important indicator of maxillary development because its position — and the resultant Sn’ outline — reflects how the midface is growing, or has grown: either up-and-forward or back-and-downward. In a well-developed maxilla, the Sn’ point sits more forward, contributing to a balanced facial profile. When this forward support is lacking, the upper lip can lose definition, causing the philtrum and Cupid’s bow to appear flatter and less defined.
Good development of the maxilla supports the muscles of the lip, resulting in a well-defined philtrum. The forward-projected base of the upper haw stretches the orbicularis oris muscle and skin which results in the central depression (the philtral groove) and the lateral ridges more distinct. If the maxilla is backwards, the upper lip tends sink in, and making the philtrum look longer and flatter. A recessed maxilla also reduces the distance between the nose and the lip's edge. Without that structural "stretch," the ridges lose their height and the philtrum looks flat or washed out.
A defined Cupid's bow (double-curved line of the upper lip's vermilion border), effectively a three dimensional peak, is linked to excellent maxillary support. The fine line of Cupid’s bow shape is a result of complex muscular interactions supported by the bone underneath. The tips lift up where the levator labii superioris muscles lift the lip, while the orbicularis oris pulls downward in the center creating the attractive “M” shape. If the maxilla is underdeveloped or recessed (retrusion), the upper lip loses its "backstop," causing the Cupid's bow to flatten and the lip to appear thinner or less defined. Lack of the up-swing support encourages the lip to "hang" vertically, which stretches and flattens the “M”shape or Cupid’s Bow.
Great midface development (a well grown maxilla) results in the upper lip showing just the right amount of vermilion (the red part of the lip), creating a youthful, contoured profile.
Smile lines (Naso-labial folds) A well-developed maxilla provides forward projection that supports the overlying soft tissues. That keeps the midface smooth and filled out.
If the maxilla is recessed or underdeveloped /retruded, the scaffolding causes the midface to appear more hollow. The contrast between the recessed bone and the protruding cheek fat creates a deeper shadow and the folds appear much more prominent.
As people age, the maxilla naturally regresses. This loss of midface projection reduces the support for facial tissues, and triggers the descent of cheek fat pads (malar fat pads), which then fold over the nasolabial line, deepening the crease.
Aesthetic Lip Length: Great development of the maxilla is associated with an ideal upper lip length. In balanced faces, the upper lip typically measures one-third of the lower face height.
Underdeveloped maxillary support often causes lips to look thinner. (surgical advancement of the maxilla - orthognathic surgery - usually increases perceived upper lip length).
Finally, the maxillary underdevelopment is both the effect and the cause of mouth breathing. The lips of even partial mouth breathers have a very distinct appearance. Primarily, it is the "meaty" or thickened lip look. It is mainly caused by the lip rolling outward (lip eversion) and a lack of muscular tone.
When the mouth is habitually open to breathe, the lips are not held together in their natural closed position by the surrounding muscles. In time, that leads to weak (hypotonic) lip muscles,. Lacking the tone used keep the mouth closed, these muscles — especially the orbicularis oris — lose their "tightness," causing the lips to become flaccid, look "heavier" or more bulbous than they actually are.
When the mouth is constantly hanging open, the lower lip often drops and "rolls" outward. This exposes more of the internal pink mucosal tissue (the vermilion), giving the lip a physically thicker or “meatier" look.
Mouth breathing people often also develop flared (proclined) upper teeth, which outward-slant, and push against the back of the lips. This forces the lips forward and outward, adding to the unnaturally everted, thicker, look.
The upper lip in mouth breathers is often functionally short because it is not being stretched and exercised by a the proper lip seal. This lip incompetence can cause the lip to appear curled upward, further exposing the lip tissue.
Constant exposure the lips to a back-and-forth airflow dries out the lips. This often results in low-key chronic irritation and swelling (edema), which adds to a bulbous, chapped-lip appearance.
In summary, healthy maxillary development—supported by proper nasal breathing—contributes to a well-supported, balanced, and naturally defined lip appearance that remains in harmony with the nose, chin, and overall facial profile.