[Does orthodontic treatment affect craniofacial growth?]

Orthodontic treatment can influence growth of maxilla and mandible, and give better harmony of the skeletal components of the face. However, choice of an inappropriate treatment method can deteriorate the balance of the upper and lower face. It is probably easier to influence the sutural growth than the growth of the condylar cartilage. It is possible both to increase the width of the maxilla and to increase, respectively decrease, forward growth of the maxilla. Even if the amount of growth in the condyle cannot be significantly influenced, the position of the mandible in relation to the rest of the face can be indirectly influenced by control of the sutural growth.