Longitudinal shape changes of the nasal dorsum

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial development
• Pediatric morphology

Background:

• Understanding nasal dorsum morphology changes during growth is crucial for assessing craniofacial development.
• Previous research has not fully detailed the specific rotational changes of the upper and lower nasal dorsum during childhood and adolescence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify growth changes in the upper and lower nasal dorsum from childhood to adolescence.
• To identify morphological aspects related to nasal dorsum shape alterations.
• To investigate the correlation between nasal dorsum angulation and overall facial growth patterns.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal cephalometric analysis of 37 French-Canadian girls.
• Data collected at ages 6, 10, and 14 years, representing childhood and adolescent growth phases.
• Evaluation of upper and lower nasal dorsum rotation and its relation to facial morphology.

Main Results:

• The upper nasal dorsum exhibits an average upward and forward rotation of approximately 10 degrees between ages 6 and 14.
• The lower nasal dorsum shows variable rotation (clockwise and counterclockwise), with non-significant average angulation changes during childhood and adolescence.
• Lower nasal dorsum rotation is significantly associated with vertical growth changes, especially at the pronasale, and is most pronounced during adolescence.

Conclusions:

• Nasal dorsum shape changes are strongly linked to lower nasal dorsum angulation, particularly during adolescent growth.
• Vertical facial growth patterns influence lower nasal dorsum rotation.
• These findings contribute to a better understanding of craniofacial growth dynamics in females.