Abstract
Objective To assess craniofacial changes from early adulthood to the seventh decade of life in individuals with normal occlusion.Methodology The sample comprised lateral cephalograms of 21 subjects with normal occlusion (11 male, 10 female), taken at 17 (T1) and 61 years of age (T2). Anteroposterior and vertical maxillomandibular relationships, and dentoalveolar and soft tissue changes were analyzed. Interphase comparisons were performed using paired t-tests. Differences between sexes, and subgroups with and without tooth loss were evaluated using t-tests (p<0.05).Results Maxillary and mandibular anterior displacement, and facial and ramus height increased from T1 to T2. Maxillary molars showed significant mesial angulation. Maxillary and mandibular molars, and mandibular incisors developed vertically during the evaluation period. Soft tissue changes included a decrease of the nasolabial angle, upper and lower lip retrusion, decrease of upper lip thickness and increase of the lower lip and soft chin thickness. Maxillary incisor exposure by the upper lip decreased 3.6 mm in 40 years. Males presented counterclockwise rotation of the mandible, whereas females showed mandibular clockwise rotation and backward displacement of the chin. The group with tooth loss showed a greater increase of the posterior facial height and ramus height.Conclusion We observed aging changes in dentoskeletal structures and soft tissue, as well as sexual differences for craniofacial changes during the maturational process. Subjects with multiple tooth losses showed a greater increase in mandibular ramus height.
Highlights
IntroductionMethodologyLife expectancy remarkably increased in the last century. Craniofacial growth and development are continuous processes, and maturational changes can occur during aging. The number of adults who seek orthodontic treatment for functional or esthetic improvement has increased, and understanding the natural changes that occur throughout life in the craniofacial complex is extremely important
MethodologyLife expectancy remarkably increased in the last century
Craniofacial growth and development are continuous processes, and maturational changes can occur during aging
Summary
MethodologyLife expectancy remarkably increased in the last century. Craniofacial growth and development are continuous processes, and maturational changes can occur during aging. The number of adults who seek orthodontic treatment for functional or esthetic improvement has increased, and understanding the natural changes that occur throughout life in the craniofacial complex is extremely important. Craniofacial growth and development are continuous processes, and maturational changes can occur during aging.. Behrents (1984) showed that craniofacial growth is a continuous process during human aging. In his detailed study in a nontreated sample from 25 to 83 years of age, men showed forward and downward mandibular displacement, whereas women showed backward mandibular rotation. A study with untreated subjects from 17 to 57 years of age reported that changes in the soft tissue were more evident than dentoskeletal changes with aging, including a flattening and elongation of the upper lip, and drooping of the nasal tip and columella.. One previous cephalometric study evaluated aging in normal occlusion subjects, showing that facial anteroposterior and vertical dimensions increased from 25 to 46 years of age. A previous maturational study until the fifth decade of life showed that men presented anterior rotation of the mandible, whereas women showed posterior mandibular rotation. A study with untreated subjects from 17 to 57 years of age reported that changes in the soft tissue were more evident than dentoskeletal changes with aging, including a flattening and elongation of the upper lip, and drooping of the nasal tip and columella. Only one previous cephalometric study evaluated aging in normal occlusion subjects, showing that facial anteroposterior and vertical dimensions increased from 25 to 46 years of age.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
