The purpose of this study was to develop standard norms for the transverse dimension or the face from childhood to adulthood. The sample consisted of P-A cephalometric radiographs for 30 males and 30 females at each age-level of 6, 12 and 18 years. All subjects were Caucasian of northern European descent. The poster-anterior cephalograms were traced and digitized. Six Bi-width dimensions, i.e., Bi-lateroorbitale, Bi-zygomadc, Bi-maxillary, Bi-lateronasal, Bi-condy!ar and Bi-gonial widths were recorded. Also, horizontal and vertical distances from these landmarks Lo, Zyg, Mx, Ln, Cd, and Go to mid-sagittal and FH planes were determined in both the right and left sides of the face. Standard norms were provided for each dimension at eaeh age-level. Further, forms for clinical application were generated. It was observed that the boys measurements were larger than the girls at all ages from 6 to 18 years in all dimensions, except the Bi-lateronasal width where there was no significant differences. Also, the right and left side differences were not significant. The present study provides normative data for comparison of the individual subject with population norms forming a basis for discriminating normal from abnormal. Also, the data are of value for diagnosis of maxillofacial anomalies and for monitoring the growth of persons and their corresponding age and race.

Saudi Dental Journal 1997;9(2):66-67.