The growth of articular eminence height during craniofacial growth period.

This study was done to study the growth of the articular eminence height during the postnatal craniofacial growth period. Ninety (90) skulls were divided into three equal groups, named A, B, and C. The A group belonged to individuals showing deciduous dentition, the B group showed mixed dentition, and the C group permanent dentition. The skulls were stabilized so that the FH plane was really horizontal. This was assured using a common facial bow, inserted into the acoustic meatuses and the infraorbital foramen, and a common water-level device. Using a silicone type impression material, impressions were taken of all temporal fossae. Special care was taken in order that the base of the materials was parallel to the FH plane. After setting, the impression was removed and a common eggslicer was used to cut the material into sections of 2.5 mm each. The three middle sections were removed, photocopied with a common photocopy machine, enlarged to a 200% scale and the height of the eminentia were measured by using an electronic caliper. The mean of the three calculations was reduced to its normal value, and was tabulated for each eminence. The study concluded that the articular eminence height grows at a very high rate until the age of seven (the period of deciduous dentition, development, and function), almost stops until the age of eleven (the period of mixed dentition), and acquires the rest of its height by the age of 20. This growth plan more nearly approximates the somatic or the general growth curve.