Facial growth in females 14 to 20 years of age.

The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude and the direction of postpubertal mandibular and maxillary facial growth in females. The sample consisted of 37 untreated subjects who had Class I skeletal and dental characteristics and whose lateral cephalograms were taken at 14, 16, and 20 years of age. Mandibular growth was determined to be significant for the age periods of 14 to 16 years and 16 to 20 years. Overall mandibular growth as measured from Co-Gn was approximately twice that of the overall maxillary growth as measured from Co-A. Correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between the estimates of incremental mandibular growth from either articulare or condylion. The mandibular growth rate was found to be twice as large for age period 14 to 16 years as for age period 16 to 20 years. The increase in posterior vertical face height was slightly more than the increase in anterior vertical face height. The mandibular plane angle decreased 1.1 degrees during the age period of 14 to 20 years, suggesting a tendency for a closing rotation of the mandible. Mandibular incisors appeared to tip labially with advancing age. Although variable, the potential for significant maxillary and mandibular facial growth in females during late adolescent has been demonstrated.