Usual Tongue and Lips Position in Anteroposterior and Vertical Growth Patterns

Rev. CEFAC. 2015; 17(Supl1):107-113 the assessment itself. The usual lips position can be classified as lips closed (normal), half-open, closed with tension, closed in dental contact, sometimes open, sometimes closed, and open1. On the other hand, the assessment of usual tongue position is not easy to diagnose, since very often it is not possible to observe the tongue positioning inside the oral cavity. In view of this, one may classify the usual tongue position as non-observable. When it is possible to visualize it, as in cases of mouth breathing, the tongue can be classified as in the palatine papilla, on the floor of the mouth, with high dorsum or interdental1. The literature also suggests that the patient is asked about the site the tongue occupies inside the oral cavity2, and this information depends on the USUAL TONGUE AND LIPS POSITION IN ANTEROPOSTERIOR AND VERTICAL GROWTH PATTERNS