Vertical facial growth: a longitudinal study from 7 to 14 years of age

Multilevel analysis is used to describe the changes in vertical facial dimensions and their relationships in Dutch girls between 7 and 14 years of age. For the anterior face height (nasion-gnathion) and the posterior face height (sella-gonion) a fourth degree polynomial was fitted. The mandibular plane angle (sella nasion-gonion gnathion) could be described with a second degree polynomial. Low correlations were found between the growth parameters (intercept and age coefficient) of the anterior and posterior face height, which points to independent growth and development of the anterior and posterior face height. The individual length and growth velocity (at age 10.8) of the anterior face height and the mandibular plane angle showed substantial correlations. It was concluded that changes during growth with regard to the mandibular plane angle are more strongly related to the anterior than to the posterior face height.