Growth changes in the facial profile of 59 boys and 82 girls with congenital absence of four or more permanent teeth excluding the third molars were recorded in a mixed longitudinal study from the age of 8 to 18 years. The mean number of missing teeth was 5.9 in boys and 6.1 in girls. Significantly more upper teeth were absent in both sexes. Skeletal and soft tissue changes were described by 27 angular measurements. Sex differences were rare and were assumed to be accidental. Slight growth changes were found in about two-thirds of the measurements, especially those related to the position and shape of the mandible. The sample studied showed similar growth patterns to the Ann Arbor (Riolo et al., 1974) and Nymegen (Prahl-Andersen et al., 1979) longitudinal studies, with differences only of magnitude. The maxilla was more retrognathic and the sagittal jaw relationship angle was smaller in the hypodontia children. The upper and lower incisors were more upright but this did not affect lip position or facial aesthetics. Part of the incisor retrusion was probably a consequence of orthodontic treatment.
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s et al. (1983) studied this question.