Growth effects of instantaneous change in mandibular position: experimental study.

PURPOSE

To investigate the mandibular growth pattern in rats during adolescence after altering the position of the mandible in the frontal plane instanteously by two surgical procedures.

METHODS

Mandibular morphology during growth was recorded by cephalometric methods during the 3-week experimental period.

RESULTS

All procedures tested caused an altered mandibular morphology. An overall change was found in the shape of the mandible in the experimental groups, with the jaw being more square compared with the rectangular form found for the mandible in the control group. Condylar growth was abnormal and the cartilage of the experimental groups showed a reduced thickness and distorted morphology, indicating disturbed cellular activity.

CONCLUSION

In view of the findings, it was concluded that considerations to instantaneously alter the mandibular position during adolescence may not be advisable.