Great Maxilla Gives Great Nose

Great maxillary development provides both the aesthetic structural alignment and functional efficiency of the nose. 

Because the maxilla forms the floor and lateral walls of the nasal cavity, its forward and upward growth prevents common imperfections like a hooked profile, dorsal hump, elongated nasal tissue, droopy tip and narrow nostrils. 

Healthy, up-and-forward midface development is strongly associated with a straight nasal bridge (nasal dorsum). When the maxilla is recessed, the lack of support can make the nose appear larger or somewhat hooked (convex).

The angle at the sub-nasion point (Sn’) between the base of the nose and the upper lip is typically between 90–95° for men and 95–115° for women. That is considered the optimal nasolabial angle.  Forward growth of the maxilla prevents a collapsed look, or an acute angle, that often accompanies a recessed jaw (often seen with age-related changes to the maxillary structure, especially in people who had their teeth removed).

Forward maxillary growth is highly correlated with an upturned or rotated nasal tip because of the more structural support offered the upper jaw. Conversely, a  drooping tip is often a sign of downward facial growth and a recessed maxilla. 

Proper bone support ensures the tip is prominent without appearing over-projected. The balanced, ideal tip projection—calculated from the alar crease—is typically 0.55–0.60 of the total nasal dorsal length.

A well-developed maxilla provides a wide base, resulting in symmetrical nostrils and a balanced alar width. Nose breathing, a feature of a well developed maxilla, keeps the muscles of the nostrils in good shape and the right thickness, contributing to the right proportions. In contrast, mouth breathing, frequently associated with a retruded or recessed midface, results in narrow, collapsing nostrils. 

Broad maxillary development prevents a high-arched palate and so crowding, or congesting the nasal cavity.  Nasal congestion is a primary cause of deviated septum. 

Forward and lateral expansion of the maxilla widens the nasal floor, significantly increasing internal airway volume and reducing resistance to airflow. It creates the right conditions for healthy nasal breathing.

By providing a foundation for spacious internal valve and wide nares, good midface development facilitates natural nasal breathing, which reduces the risk of snoring and sleep-disordered breathing (obstructive sleep apnea) 

Emergent studies suggest that the increased nasal airflow from healthy maxillary expansion (through palatal expansion devices and orthognathic surgery) may also improve the sense of smell (olfactory threshold).