Changes in the Craniofacial Complex from Adolescence to Midadulthood: a Cephalometric Study

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate cephalometrically the craniofacial growth changes and adjustments that occur from late adolescence to midadulthood in persons who had no previous history of orthodontic treatment. Serial lateral cephalograms from 58 subjects from the University of Michigan Elementary and Secondary Growth Study recalled on average in their late 40s were examined. Fifteen of the patients also had cephalograms taken in early adulthood (early 30s). Statistically significant growth changes occurred; mandibular and midfacial lengths as well as posterior and lower anterior facial heights had increased significantly for males and females over both time intervals. The pattern of expression of these changes was different in the two genders: males showed an anterior rotation of the mandible, whereas females demonstrated a posterior rotation of the mandible. Soft tissue changes also were somewhat different between genders. In males, the nose and chin grew downward and forward, with the lips generally moving straight downward. In contrast, females had nasal growth that progressed downward and forward, and there was a slight retrusion of the lips over time. Continued tooth eruption was noted in both genders as well.