Growth and development of craniofacial complex
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics · Dental (BDS)
Study notes
Why do orthodontists time jaw-correction treatment to the pubertal growth spurt? Functional appliances that modify jaw growth only work while growth is active — they harness the patient's own growth, not create it. The pubertal peak (tracked via hand-wrist X-rays or cervical vertebrae maturation) is the window of maximum mandibular growth. Treating then multiplies the skeletal effect; treating after growth ends leaves only tooth movement. Students learn: growth modification needs growing patients.
Related topics
- Development of dentition and occlusion: deciduous to permanent
- Malocclusion: Angle's classification, Ackerman-Proffit system
- Etiology of malocclusion: genetic, environmental, habits
- Diagnostic records: study models, photographs, radiographs
- Cephalometrics: landmarks, analyses — Steiner, Tweed, Downs
- Model analysis: Bolton, Ashley Howe, Pont's