Plastic Surgery
Reconstruction of the Mandible and the Maxilla: The Evolution of Surgical Technique
The upper and lower jaws play an essential role in mastication, articulation, and cosmetic form. The mandible provides support for tongue position and elevation of the larynx during swallowing, while the maxilla provides support for the nasal structures as well as an opposing structure to the mandible during mastication.
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Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery