Dental age is more appropriate than chronological age for evaluating the mandibular movement range in children.

PURPOSE: The measurement of excursive jaw movements is an important instrument for evaluating the functional condition of the temporomandibular system. Dento-maxillofacial development differs widely within different age, weight or height clusters. Tooth eruption is part of the development of the temporomandibular system. Therefore, the dental developmental stage might reflect temporomandibular development more appropriately. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the dental age is a more suitable parameter for evaluating the mandibular movement range of children in the mixed dentition stage than chronological age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, the mandibular movement range and relevant temporomandibular findings of 146 children aged 8-10 yr were assessed clinically. Alginate impressions were taken and dental casts were generated. Dental age was assessed from the casts.

RESULTS: The mean mouth opening capacity was 46.2 mm (SD = 5.2); the mean laterotrusion to the left was 10.1 mm (SD = 1.9) and to the right 10.0 mm (SD = 1.8). For protrusion, the mean value was 9.1 mm (SD = 2.0). There was a statistically highly significant correlation between dental age and maximal active mouth opening extent. Statistically significant correlations between chronological age and active jaw movement capacity could not be shown.

CONCLUSIONS: In children in the mixed dentition stage, dental age seems to reflect the developmental stage of the temporomandibular system more adequately than chronological age. Therefore, dental age-related normative values could be more appropriate for evaluating the temporomandibular system in children.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 20100302-161.