Longitudinal cephalometric standards from 5 years of age to adulthood

Most cephalometric standards available in the literature are cross-sectional in nature. In the limited number of longitudinal studies reported, the data were presented on a yearly basis. As a result, the orthodontist was faced with the dilemma of either using one cephalometric standard for both males and females and for all age groups or using a large number of standards, each specific for age and sex. The purpose of the present study was to explore the possibility of developing a limited number of normative cephalometric standards for males and females between 5 years of age and adulthood. The subjects in the study included twenty males and fifteen females with clinically acceptable occlusion and no apparent facial disharmony. All subjects were Caucasians, and none had undergone orthodontic therapy. Seventeen angular measurements and ratios of face heights derived from linear dimensions were examined for significant changes between 5 years of age and adulthood. Five cephalometric standards which can be used by the orthodontist for diagnostic purposes were developed. These standards are specific for sex and applicable within an age range. For the vast majority of cases, only one of these standards need be used by the orthodontist to evaluate the patient before, during, and after orthodontic treatment.