[Growth dynamics of the four main craniofacial dimensions in relation to orthodontic finding--a longitudinal study]

Analysis of growth dynamics of the four main craniofacial dimensions at the transition point from primary into mixed dentition was performed in order to better determine the effect of individual orthodontic anomalies starting to manifest at that time, on the direction and extent of the alterations observed. A sample consisting of 73 children aged 3.5-5.5 years, free of any overt symptoms of orthodontic anomalies, were re-examined at the age of 6.5-8.5 years and divided into groups according to orthodontic findings then obtained. Mean values (and their differences) of the defined parameters obtained on the first and second measurement were analyzed, both for the sample in total and separately, according to the orthodontic findings in mixed dentition. Based on this data, specific relationships between alterations in each craniofacial dimension and maxillary morphology, specific for particular anomaly, were determined. In the group free of growth dynamics anomalies, both facial and both cranial parameters were almost identical. More or less expressed alterations of a single facial or cranial parameter in dysgnathic subjects may have been related to oral symptoms of the respective anomaly. At the same time, results obtained in the study suggested the size of the four main craniofacial dimensions to differ as early as in primary dentition, and become grouped, depending on the development of future orthodontic anomaly.