Longitudinal study of mandibular behavior in Class I subjects with vertical and horizontal growth

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate possible differences in mandibular behavior in Class I individuals with vertical and horizontal growth patterns. METHODS: The sample consisted of 20 untreated Class I individuals divided into: Group 1 comprising 10 individuals with vertical growth pattern and Group 2 comprising 10 individuals with horizontal growth pattern, all of them belonging to the Burlington Growth Center files, University of Toronto-Canada, radiographically followed-up at ages 9, 12 and 21. Cephalometric radiographs, determined mean values for a long-term evaluation of mandibular behavior using the following measurements: SNB, Co-GN, SN.GoMe, anterior facial height and posterior facial height. RESULTS: SNB and Co-Gn values were higher in horizontal growth group at all of the ages studied; SN.GoMe measure was significantly lower in horizontal growth group; anterior facial height (AFH) showed lower values in individuals with horizontal growth pattern; and posterior facial height (PFH) showed lower values in individuals with vertical growth pattern. CONCLUSION: Long-term comparisons of Class I individuals' growth tendencies indicate that there are significant differences between both groups. Mandible showed a trend to clockwise rotation in Group 1. Group 2 showed a trend to brachycephalic facial form, due to the deficit in vertical development with regard to anterior facial height.