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 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 . 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. Postnatal growth and development of the craniofacial complex at the time of birth the craniofacial skeleton has undergone almost half of its total growth and the head makes up about a quarter of the body height whereas in adults it is about one eighth of the body height