The impact of adenoid hypertrophy across pediatric age groups on maxillomandibular development and position

Although adenoid hypertrophy (AH) is associated with malocclusion, its age-specific impact on craniofacial development across different dentition stages remains unclear. This study aimed to assess AH-related craniofacial changes across distinct phases of dental development.

This retrospective study analyzed 180 children divided into three age groups: 3-5, 5-8, and 8-11 years. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were used to evaluate sagittal skeletal relationships (SNA, SNB, ANB), dentoalveolar position (NA-Apo), occlusal plane inclination (NPo-FH), jaw lengths (ANS-Ptm, Co-Gn), and overjet. Comparisons were made between the AH and control groups within each age cohort.

In the 3-5 year group, no significant craniofacial differences were found between AH and control subjects. Between 5-8 years, AH was linked to a significantly lower SNB angle and higher NA-Apo angle (p < 0.05). By 8-11 years, AH patients showed significantly reduced SNA, SNB, and NPo-FH angles, along with increased ANB, NA-Apo, and overjet values compared to controls (p < 0.05).

AH was associated with age-dependent craniofacial changes-such as mandibular retrusion, dental protrusion, posterior occlusal tilt, and increased overjet-without altering jaw length. Early diagnosis and timely intervention during key growth stages are crucial to prevent long-term facial abnormalities. Given the retrospective, 2D cephalometric design, causality could not be inferred, and longitudinal or treatment effects could not be assessed.