Pre and Postnatal growth and development of the Mandible

Abstract

This paper has attempted to describe the prenatal development of the mandible in humans and ita postnatal growth. The various theories of how this growth occurs have been described including the historical work by Brash, the' classical theory', .. which includes a section on the controversy regarding the term' growth centre' and its application to the mandibular condyle. Bjork's investigations using the implant method have been covered. This method allowed him to superimpose the mandibles in a longi tudinal growth study with more ease and accuracy than was formerly possible.Note that no mention is made in this paper of the error due to magni~cation changes in the radiographs resul~ing from the growth itself. Enlow's theory ,including his ideas on relocation,cortical drift,reversal etc. based on the morphology of the mandible are covered. The functional theory of Moss'which has many supporters and is perhaps one of the strongest theories is included with a further section on the role function plays The other main theory described is the theory of arcial growth is covered by Ricketts. The chin is a characteristic of Man and a short section will be found about its development Nowadays we are using prediction of the growth of an individual as an intgral part of our treatment plan in orthodontics .I have attempted to describe the structural features of acephalo metric radiograph which are our guidelines for prediction I have included at the end a short part about investigations using hormones to study their role in development.This only scratches the surface of the many hormonal studies carried out but serves to show another side of research concerning the development of the mandible.