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Monitoring growth during orthodontic treatment
J G Ghafari1, F S Shofer, L L Laster
1Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6003, USA.
Seminars in Orthodontics
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Anthropometric measures like knee height showed some correlation with occlusal changes in children undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, biochemical markers did not significantly enhance growth prediction beyond physical measurements alone.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry
- Growth and Development
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Somatic growth assessment in orthodontics traditionally relies on body height and skeletal age.
- Limited research explores the link between general growth indicators and craniofacial development during early orthodontic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between anthropometric and biochemical growth markers and facial/occlusal changes in children with Class II Division 1 malocclusion during early treatment.
- To determine if biochemical markers improve growth prediction accuracy compared to physical measures.
Main Methods:
- Prospective clinical trial involving 46 children (ages 7.20–12.85 years).
- Monthly measurements of body and knee height.
- Quarterly serum analysis for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and osteocalcin.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were found between knee height and several occlusal measurements.
- Mandibular length did not show significant correlation with knee height or DHEAS levels.
- Knee height correlated significantly with DHEAS in 46% and osteocalcin in 37% of participants.
Conclusions:
- Anthropometric measures like knee height offer some insight into occlusal changes during early orthodontic treatment.
- Biochemical markers (DHEAS, osteocalcin) at tested intervals did not substantially improve growth prediction accuracy beyond physical measurements and skeletal maturation.