From Face to Function: Recognizing Growth Patterns and Acting Early
Facial development tells a story—if you know where to look.
In this interdisciplinary lecture, Dr. Naomi Doelen and Dr. Christian Leonhardt guide you from early detection to adult reconstruction, demonstrating why airway-focused diagnostics and functionally-driven care are essential at every stage of life.
- Naomi Doelen focuses on early signs and symptoms: What should we look for in a child’s face, posture, and smile? How do we distinguish between “normal” growth and subtle dysfunction? Drawing from the 2023 Audrey Yoon SLEEP paper, she presents an accessible clinical framework for recognizing at-risk patterns and introduces the foundations of early interceptive orthodontics — from a general practitioner’s perspective.
- Christian Leonhardt continues the narrative into adulthood, where untreated dysfunctions have evolved into complex compensations: dental collapse, TMJ issues, airway impairment, and full-mouth restorative challenges. He reveals how missing the early window of opportunity often leads to costly and invasive interventions later in life.
The session concludes with a live, interactive facial screening exercise. Together with the audience, Naomi and Christian will analyze real cases, identifying red flags, discussing growth trajectories, and debating possible clinical actions.
This lecture is both a call to action and a shared learning experience:
- Recognize the signs.
- Intercept before dysfunction escalates.
- Plan collaboratively for sustainable, structural health.
