Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare craniofacial and dental characteristics of contemporary and historical populations and elucidate some etiological aspects of malocclusion. Contemporary cohort of 703 university students of Prague and three historical samples (73 skulls from 9th century, 344 skulls from 10th – 14th centuries and 210 skulls from 14th – 18th centuries were examined.
Measurements in craniometric and anthropometric points were made. The width of jaws was examined in Pont´s points.
Björk´s method for epidemiological registration of malooclusion was used; telerentgenograms were examined as well. Broader dental arches regadless of the type of skull and significantly lower frequency of serious malooclusions were proven in historical population.
The extreme increase in serious maloclusions in contemporary population is more probably caused by civilising factors than secular trend in formation of skull.