Natural Head Position and Growth of the Facial Part of the Skull

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine any correlation between natural head position and cranio-cervical growth direction and if natural head position influences facial growth direction. One hundred sixty (160) cephalometric radiographs were examined and cranio-cervical inclinations determined (angles: NS-Ver, NS-OPT, NS-CVT). On the basis of the NS-ML angle, radiographs were divided into two groups: mandibular anteriorotation and posteriorotation. On the basis of the SGo/NMe index, two groups were formed: short-faced and long-faced subjects. The angles NS-Ver, NS-OPT, and NS-CVT describe cranio-cervical inclination. Subjects with anterior mandible growth do position their heads more vertically and have a shorter face, and those with posterior mandible growth tilt their heads more backwards and have a longer face. An adaptive head position can be a factor in altering the direction of facial growth. Determination of head position and mandible growth direction can be an important indicator in patients with TMD treatment.

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Notes on contributors

Anna M. Dubojska

Dr. Anna M. Dubojska received her Ph.D. in humanistic sciences in 1999 from the University of Lodz, Poland and a Ph.D. in medical sciences in 2004 from the Medical University of Lodz, Poland. She has been a member of the City Guilds of London Institute, University of Sheffield, England since 1994, and currently holds an appointment at the Medical University of Lodz. She is coauthor of two books, translator of two monographs, and she authored a monograph in 2008. Dr. Dubojska has authored numerous articles and reports and has lectured internationally. Her research interests include craniofacial development, head posture and muscle tension, diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders, orofacial pain and movement disorders, psychological aspects of orofacial pain, occlusion, and oral rehabilitation.

Grazyna Smiech-Slomkowska

Dr. Grazyna Smiech-Slomkowska received her Ph.D. in 1975, a D.Sc. in 1992, and the title of Professor in 2002. She is currently at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, Poland. She is author or coauthor of two monographs and over 100 scientific papers, and she edited the Polish editions of four books. Dr. Smiech-Slomkowska is on the editorial boards of the following dental journals: “Czasopismo Stomatologiczne,” “Magazyn Stomatologiczny,” and “Orthodontic Forum.” She is a member of the Polish Dental Association, the Polish Orthodontic Association, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the World Federation of Orthodontics. She is a specialist in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, and her research interests include development of the craniofacial system in relation to biological development, etiology of malocclusions, and other dental disorders. She was the doctoral thesis supervisor of 19 Ph.D. candidates and tutored 36 dentists pursuing specialist degrees in orthodontics.