Cephalometric changes during aging in subjects with normal occlusion

Abstract

The sample comprised lateral cephalograms of 21 subjects with normal occlusion (11 male, 10 female), taken at 17 (T1) and 61 years of age (T2). Anteroposterior and vertical maxillomandibular relationships, and dentoalveolar and soft tissue changes were analyzed. Interphase comparisons were performed using paired t-tests. Differences between sexes, and subgroups with and without tooth loss were evaluated using t-tests (p<0.05).Results: Maxillary and mandibular anterior displacement, and facial and ramus height increased from T1 to T2. Maxillary molars showed significant mesial angulation. Maxillary and mandibular molars, and mandibular incisors developed vertically during the evaluation period. Soft tissue changes included a decrease of the nasolabial angle, upper and lower lip retrusion, decrease of upper lip thickness and increase of the lower lip and soft chin thickness.Maxillary incisor exposure by the upper lip decreased 3.6 mm in 40 years.Males presented counterclockwise rotation of the mandible, whereas females showed mandibular clockwise rotation and backward displacement of the chin. The group with tooth loss showed a greater increase of the posterior facial height and ramus height. Conclusion: We observed aging changes in dentoskeletal structures and soft tissue, as well as sexual differences for craniofacial changes during the maturational process. Subjects with multiple tooth losses showed a greater increase in mandibular ramus height.

Relationship of odontometric and cephalometric indicators. Review of literary sources

“…The analysis of the indicators of the soft tissues of the face revealed a decrease in the nasolabial angle, retrusion of the upper and lower lips, a decrease in the thickness of the upper lip, and an increase in the thickness of the lower lip and soft chin. The exposure of maxillary incisors near the upper lip decreased by 3.6 mm during the indicated period of examination [8].…”

“…Experimental studies conducted with the use of its numerous modifications made it possible to confirm the assumptions of scientists regarding such theories as the presence of age, ethnic and gender characteristics of development and, in general, normative indicators of cephalometric indicators, which in turn made it possible to improve the quality of orthodontic treatment and improve the individual approach to the patient [5,8,11,12,30].…”

Normal occlusion in maturational life process

“…In addition, maxillary incisor exposure relative to the upper lip decreased in the same period (approximately 1mm every decade). 33 Dental wear in the incisal surface of the incisors, as well as the changes in the upper lip position with age, explains these results. For this reason, clinicians should be very careful when indicating intrusion of the maxillary incisor during comprehensive orthodontic treatment, in order to prevent accelerating facial aging or jeopardizing the smile esthetics at mature ages.…”

“…The cephalometric assessment of individuals with normal occlusion from 17 to 60 years of age showed upper and lower lip retrusion, as well as a decrease of upper lip thickness, as mentioned earlier. 33 Considering these findings, orthodontists should avoid an extreme retrusion of the incisors during orthodontic treatment, in order not to anticipate facial aging.…”

“…From 17 to 60 years of age,33 the anterior cranial base, maxilla and mandible showed an anteroposterior increase of approximately 3, 5 and 6 mm, respectively. The maxillary and mandibular protrusion slightly increased in man.…”