Growth and orthodontics - 2.3

Neurocranium and viscerocranium

• The neurocranium houses the brain and sensory organs
• The viscerocranium forms the face and jaws
• The viscerocranium develops from the first and second branchial arches
• The neurocranium develops from mesenchyme

Changes in shape of the head

• The head grows in a cephalocaudal direction
• Head shape changes from oval to round
• Growth of the face and jaws contributes to changes in head shape
• Changes are influenced by genetic factors

Changes in skeletal pattern

• Increase in overall size
• Changes in proportions
• Reorientation of bones
• Development of secondary curvature in the spine

Bjork

• Bjork was a prominent orthodontist
• He studied and documented growth patterns of the face and jaws
• He classified growth spurts
• He developed a system to predict growth

Bone growth in the jaw

• Bone growth occurs in the jaw by two processes: endochondral ossification, and intramembranous ossification

Calcification

• Endochondral: Cartilage is replaced by bone
• Intramembranous: Bone formation from mesenchymal tissue
• Surface remodeling: Bone addition on the surface
• Cartilaginous: Growth at the surfaces

Growth of the mandible

• Mandible grows in length, width, and height
• Growth in length occurs mainly at the condyle
• Growth in width occurs mainly at the gonial angle

Control of growth

• Genetics plays a significant role
• Environmental factors can influence growth
• Hormonal factors are also important
• Nutritional status is crucial to proper growth
• Growth curves can be used to monitor growth
• Tanner growth curves are used to monitor stature, which parallels facial growth

Velocity of growth in stature

• Peak growth velocity occurs around 12-13 years in girls, 14-15 years in boys
• Velocity slows down after puberty
• Velocity is influenced by factors such as nutrition, genetics, and health

Predicting changes in skeletal pattern

• Cephalometric analysis is used to predict future growth
• Studies indicate that soft tissue changes follow bone changes
• Growth prediction is used to plan orthodontic treatment
• Growth prediction is not always accurate
• Orthodontic appliances can influence growth
• Headgear or functional appliances can be used to modify growth

Clinical significance of growth in orthodontics

• Orthodontic treatment aims to correct malocclusion and improve facial esthetics
• The timing of treatment is important
• Early treatment can influence growth
• Orthodontic treatment can be used to enhance facial growth
• Orthodontics can affect the development of the dentoalveolar complex
• Orthodontic treatment can contribute to the overall health of the patient.

Test your knowledge on the neurocranium and viscerocranium, including their development, changes in head shape, and skeletal patterns. Explore the contributions of orthodontist Bjork and learn about bone growth in the jaw. This quiz encompasses key concepts in craniofacial growth and development.