Growth Modification
A treatment strategy in growing patients that uses appliances or forces to redirect, stimulate, or restrain the growth of skeletal structures to achieve a more favourable jaw relationship.
Full Definition
Growth modification encompasses all clinical interventions designed to alter the natural trajectory of craniofacial skeletal development by applying orthopedic forces during active growth periods. Examples include the use of functional appliances to advance the mandible in Class II patients, facemask therapy to protract the maxilla in Class III patients, and headgear to restrain maxillary forward growth. The effectiveness of growth modification is highly dependent on patient compliance and the timing of intervention relative to the pubertal growth spurt, as assessed by skeletal maturity indicators. Editors should not equate 'growth modification' with 'orthodontic treatment' broadly, nor with 'orthognathic surgery,' which is the surgical alternative in non-growing patients.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use interchangeably with 'interceptive orthodontics,' which addresses tooth-level discrepancies in the mixed dentition rather than skeletal jaw relationships.
In Context
- "Growth modification with a twin block appliance was initiated at the onset of the pubertal growth spurt to correct the Class II skeletal discrepancy." — Treatment planning letter
- "The review examined the evidence base for growth modification in Class III patients, focusing on long-term skeletal stability." — Systematic review abstract