Craniofacial Growth and Its Interaction with the Maxillary Anchor Molars

Abstract

In the orthodontics of the twenty-first century, many clinicians look to the mandible, both as a cause of Class II malocclusion and a cure, presumably by way of some sort of “growth modification.” Indeed, some go so far as to say that the maxilla is the “wrong” jaw. In truth, there is little evidence that mandibular growth can be modified. No matter: the long-term pattern of mandibular growth is usually favorable in both Class I and Class II subjects. Unfortunately, whether normal or therapeutically augmented, maxillary dentoalveolar compensation would prevent any mandibular excess from changing the occlusion. Thus, in view of the ways that Class II malocclusions develop and are corrected, it is clear that control of maxillary anchorage is an important, rational component of both processes. This short chapter argues that regardless of label—fixed or functional; early or late—the final expression at the occlusion is in large measure a prevention, reduction, or reversal of maxillary dentoalveolar compensation. All roads lead to Rome; all roads to a normal molar relationship lead to the midface by way of maxillary anchorage control.