Facial Growth Flashcards
What is the definition of general growth?
The process by which the body reaches its point of complete physical development.
What are the four main tissue growth patterns?
Neural, lymphoid, somatic (general), genital.
Which growth pattern is most relevant to general height?
Somatic (general) growth.
What is the significance of growth charts?
They help assess whether growth is within the normal range, or identify abnormal growth that requires investigation.
What is Peak Height Velocity (PHV)?
The time of maximum rate of growth in height during puberty—around 10.5–12.5 yrs for girls and 12.5–14.5 yrs for boys.
What are the three dimensions in which facial growth is assessed?
Antero-posterior (AP), vertical, and transverse.
Which part of the face grows closer to the neural pattern?
The maxilla.
Which part grows closer to the somatic pattern?
The mandible.
What are the two main mechanisms of maxillary growth in the antero-posterior direction?
Displacement (suture in-fill and tuberosity growth) and drift (periosteal remodeling).
How does vertical growth of the maxilla occur?
Through development of the alveolar process, eruption of teeth, and downward drift of the hard palate.
When does transverse growth of the maxilla stop?
Around age 12 for both boys and girls.
What characterizes antero-posterior growth of the mandible?
Displacement forward and condylar growth, which contributes to chin prominence.
How much does the mandible grow normally per year?
2–3 mm/year, which doubles during the pubertal growth spurt.
What causes the mandible to grow vertically?
Eruption of teeth and increased height of the ramus.
At what age does AP growth typically stop in boys and girls?
Boys: 19 years; Girls: 16–17 years.
How does facial profile typically develop through growth stages?
Infant: Convex profile → Pre-pubertal: Straighter → Post-pubertal: Adult profile established.
What is the potential benefit of using a functional appliance in a Class II pre-pubertal patient?
May encourage mandibular growth during the pubertal spurt and improve AP discrepancies.
What is the optimal timing for using a functional appliance in Class II cases?
During the pubertal growth spurt.
What is a common Class III growth pattern during puberty?
The discrepancy may worsen due to mandibular overgrowth.
How can a protraction facemask benefit Class III patients?
It encourages maxillary forward growth and may reduce the need for surgery later.
When is the ideal age window for using a protraction facemask in Class III patients?
Between 8–10 years old.
When does vertical growth stop in boys and girls?
Boys: Early 20s; Girls: 17–18 years.
What are signs of increased vertical dimension?
Anterior open bite, increased lower anterior face height (LAFH), and increased Frankfort Mandibular Plane Angle (FMPA).
What causes increased vertical growth?
Often downward growth rotation of the mandible.
