Transverse Growth of Maxilla and Mandible

Growth in the transverse plane has not received due emphasis in the diagnosis of craniofacial and dentoalveolar anomalies. Because the research focus has largely been on sagittal and vertical planes of the face, inferences on normal and abnormal growth patterns have been limited to these planes. This article is based on a section of the extensive research done on growth and development of dentofacial structures at the University of Oklahoma. Nine transverse craniofacial and dentoalveolar measurements were made on anteroposterior radiographs of 25 male and 25 female subjects between the ages of 6 and 18 years. The average measurements at each age are presented. Regression models suggest a strong prediction of adult size at age 12. Large prospective longitudinal studies using regression models are needed to validate this evidence.