Evaluation of mandibular geometry in healthy children aged 0-1 year – a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose The main aim of the researches was the three-dimensional morphological assessment of the mandible in children. Methods The research group consisted of 34 infants from 21 to 417 days of age (0-13 months). Models of the mandibles were developed on the basis of tomographic images. Characteristic anatomical points were marked on the models, on the basis of which characteristic distances and angles were calculated, determining the length, width and height of the mandible as well as its proportion and symmetry. Based on the obtained database, models of mandibular growth in the first year of life in three directions were also developed. Results It was performed the statistical analysis to assess the jaw dimensions in children in the first year of life. The size, shape and proportions of the lower jaws were obtained and analyzed. Conclusions The analysis of the results revealed some significant objective information on the growth and development of the normal mandible.