Prediction of mandibular growth rotation

A survey is presented of experience with the implant method in the study of facial growth, with particular emphasis on prediction of mandibular growth rotation. Three methods of prediction are discussed. (1) A longitudinal method, which consists of following the course of development by annual x-ray cephalograms, is shown to be of limited use for this purpose, as the remodeling process at the lower border of the mandible to a large extent masks the actual rotation. (2) A metric method, which aims at prediction based on a metric description of the facial morphology at a single stage of development, has so far not proved of value. (3) A structural method is described by which it may be possible to predict, from a single cephalogram, the course of rotation, where this feature is marked. This method is based on information gained from implant studies of the remodeling process of the mandible during growth.