Skeletal maturity indicators

Skeletal maturation is an integral part of an individual's pattern of growth and development. Accurate determination of skeletal maturity and remaining growth is crucial for many orthodontic, orthognathic and dental implant decisions. Cervical vertebral stages and hand-wrist radiographs are currently used to identify the peak mandibular bone growth. These are highly subjective techniques that not only involve radiographic exposure but also lack the ability to determine the intensity of the growth spurt and the end of growth. Accurate determination of skeletal maturity is required in dentistry for decisions in dentofacial orthopeadic therapy and orthognathic surgery for correction of skeletal discrepancy. The pubertal growth spurt is considered to be an advantageous period for orthopeadic corrections of the facial complex.