Abstract
Aims: Evaluation of mandibular growth in orthodontic patients following the pubertal growth peak. Material: The study included 493 orthodontic patients (219 males, 274 females) between the age of 16 to the age of 29 years (mean age = 18.95 years) with various sagittal jaw relationships determined ANB angle.
In each patient 2 cephalograms were taken, one at time T1 another at T2, minimum 6 month interval between the scans. Method: In cephalograms taken at T1 and T2 five linear and two angular parameters were assessed.
Growth curve for individual parameters based on mean values of annual growth changes was contstructed. The curve was assessed from the point of view of sex and skeletal class.
Results: At the beginning growth gains of the mandible were evident in both sexes. Growth gains in male patients were bigger than in females.
Between the age of 21 and 23 years, there occurred accelerated growth in women; however, the subsequent growth was not proved. The gonion angle was diminishing, the Beta angle was increasing, and the mandible showed the tendency to moderate anteriorotation.
In individual skeletal classes the differences in the mandible growth were not observed. The only exception was represented by changes in angular parameters in women (p < 0,05).
Conclusion: Growth changes of the mandible are evident even after the age of 16. This fact must be considered in timing of compensation and decompensation treatment of orthodontic anomalies or in planning of dental implants.