Description :

This chapter describes in general terms the prenatal development and postnatal growth of the craniofacial skeleton and the occlusal development of the primary and permanent dentitions understanding of embryological development is essential for the dental practitioner who may frequently face patients with the common craniofacial anomalies . Craniofacial development is a highly coordinated process under a tight genetic control and environmental influence understanding the core concepts of growth and development of the craniofacial skeleton and the impact of treatment on growth potential is vital to successful patient management. Craniofacial development and growth craniofacial development geoffrey h sperber recent advances in genetics molecular biology diagnostic imaging and surgical techniques require a substantial understanding of prenatal development morphogenesis the clinical significance of the normal mechaniisms of embyogenesis devlopmental failures and . The pioneers in orthodontics described normal growth as achieving the best proportions of the mouth in a good relation with the other structures of the craniofacial system maintaining a balance between them and permitting each tooth to occupy its normal position 1 2