The term forward growth is widely misunderstood. Most people do not grasp the actual mechanical logic behind cranial and facial development.
What determines true maxillary forward position
The actual forward positioning of the maxilla is mostly determined by the cranial base angle. This structural angle literally pulls the upper maxillary attachments forward.
The key visual cue: deep set eyes
The most obvious external sign of genuine upper maxillary projection is deep set eyes. This is best observed from the side profile.
The twist: relative mandibular setback
Craniofacial mechanics create a paradox. Increased total and especially upper maxillary forward position puts the lower jaw in a relatively set back position.
- Forward projected upper jaw
- Relatively set back lower jaw
- Overall more convex facial profile
- Class II patients, deep bite, overjet
Why it does not look like classic forward growth
Because the lower jaw appears recessed next to the prominent upper jaw, the face does not match the classic image of a forward grown phenotype. The profile looks convex rather than straight or concave.
Misconception: equating forward growth with jaw alignment
Many people read forward growth as simply the upper jaw being in perfect alignment with lower jaw (=prominent chin automatically). This is incorrect too.
- True forward growth is not defined by mere anterior-posterior jaw relationship
- The apparent setback of the lower jaw may be only relative to an overly projected upper maxilla
- If the upper jaw is too far ahead of the lower jaw, *it does not look forward grown or attractive either*
Case study: class III pattern with flat maxilla
Consider the opposite visual presentation:
- Prominent lower jaw from the side
- Relatively flat maxilla
- Short midface and flat nose bridge
- Concave side profile
This is typical of class 3 patients. Even though the lower jaw is forward, the maxilla looks sunk in, so it still does not read as a forward grown face.
How nasal bridge prominence creates confusion
An overly prominent nasal bridge (nose hump) is often misinterpreted as a sign of lacking maxillary support. The reality is different.
- The hump is caused by a relatively overprojected upper maxilla in relation to the lower maxilla (due to cranial base extension)
- The lower maxilla is mostly determined by mandibular forward projection as consequential alveolar adaptation.
- Even if the lower maxilla is also forward grown in absolute terms, the upper can still be ahead relatively and your nose bridge will still look too prominent (dorsal hump).
The reverse pattern: compact midface misinterpreted as forward grown
Some faces show:
- Compact midface with concave side profile
- Flat nose bridge
- Prominent lower jaw
These are commonly praised as forward grown, but they usually come with:
- Literally flat looking maxilla from the side
- Underbite (as a consequence of lack of maxillary forward projection)
- Reduced eye depth and orbital support (bulging eyes)
- Recessed radix (caved in start of nose bridge)
Those features are the opposite of forward growth and actually indicate maxillary recession.
Both extremes display lack of true forward growth
Whether the cranial base is flat or flexed, both patterns can present signs that visually read as lack of forward growth. The superficial signals contradict the underlying mechanics.
The optimized configuration for attractiveness
The facial structure most optimized for male attractiveness (you can call it the ultimate forward growth) requires two conditions:
- Forward projected maxilla in absolute terms (equal to deep set eyes)
- Balanced alignment of upper maxilla, lower maxilla, and lower jaw
Key points
- Cranial base angle drives true maxillary position
- Deep set eyes signal real upper maxillary forward projection
- Relative mandibular setback could be a byproduct of too much maxillary development, like in case of overjet
- Do not judge forward growth by the upper / lower jaws alignment alone
- Ideal facial development pattern pairs absolute maxillary projection with balanced upper maxilla / lower maxilla / lower jaw relationship