A polynomial approach to craniofacial growth: description and comparison of adolescent males with normal occlusion and those with untreated Class II malocclusion.

Orthogonal polynomials are used to model the craniofacial growth of adolescent boys, aged 11 through 14 years, and to evaluate variation between normal occlusion and untreated Class II malocclusion. The results show linear growth (velocity) for the maxillary measures; their angular relationships to the cranial base remain stable throughout the age range. Mandibular measures show growth velocity and acceleration, indicating the adolescent growth spurt. For the majority (80%) of measures, boys with normal occlusion and those with Class II malocclusion were not significantly different. Mean growth velocity of basion-nasion is significantly greater for subjects with Class II, Division 1 malocclusion. Total mandibular length and the ANB angle display significant mean size (constant) differences between boys with normal occlusion and boys with untreated Class II malocclusion. The groups are comparable in growth velocity and acceleration, indicating that the size differences are established before 11 years of age and maintained during adolescence.