The aging craniofacial complex: A longitudinal cephalometric study from late adolescence to late adulthood

Introduction: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate craniofacial growth changes from late adolescence through late adulthood in participants from the University of Michigan Elementary and Secondary School Growth Study. Methods: This was a recall study with 39 subjects (19 male, 20 female). Their lateral cephalograms taken during late adolescence (T1; mean age, about 17 years), midadulthood (T2; mean age, about 47 years), and late adulthood (T3; mean age, about 57 years) were evaluated. To test for significant differences between times, sexes, and the sex and time interaction, repeated measures analysis of variance was used. For the comparisons of time (T1 vs T2, T2 vs T3), the nominal α level was set at 0.01. Results: Skeletal changes were significant only from late adolescence to midadulthood; soft-tissue changes were significant from late adolescence to midadulthood, and mid- to late adulthood. Changes in skeletal tissues consisted of increases in sella-nasion length, midfacial length, and lower anterior facial height. Sex differences were apparent in the mandible. The women had downward and backward mandibular rotation; the men, on the other hand, had more forward rotation of the mandible and increased chin prominence. Mandibular growth was greater in the men. Changes in the soft tissues were the most remarkable and included significant thinning and elongation of the upper lip. Significant changes in the nose took place, including drooping of the nasal tip and columella, the latter leading to more acute nasolabial angles. Conclusions: Our findings in this longitudinal study provide insights on several significant changes in the aging craniofacial complex.