Nasal Morphology As A Predictor Of Craniofacial Growth Direction
Abstract
It is important for an orthodontist to predict growth related changes and thereby appropriately time orthodontic treatment using the vertical indicators currently available. A potential predictor of craniofacial growth direction that has been discussed yet remains scientifically unexplored is nasal morphology. The objectives of this study are to determine if a difference in pre-adolescent nasal contour exists between post-adolescent normodivergent and hyperdivergent subjects, and if nasal contour morphology in pre-adolescent females is a reliable indicator of future craniofacial growth direction. A significant difference in pre-adolescent nasal contour morphology was found between normodivergent and hyperdivergent groups. A pre-adolescent nasal contour elevation >0.75mm may be indicative of future vertical craniofacial growth direction. However, pre-adolescent nasal contour morphology was judged to be a fair-to-poor diagnostic indicator of future craniofacial growth direction and should not be relied upon in craniofacial growth direction predictions.