American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

Which has a higher growth rate earlier, the maxilla or the mandible?

1. Mandible

2. Nasal bone

3. Maxilla

4. Maxillary Sinus

The correct answer is: Maxilla

The maxilla exhibits a higher growth rate earlier in development compared to the mandible. This is due to the developmental sequence of the craniofacial skeleton where the maxilla grows significantly during the early phases of childhood. The primary growth spurts of the maxilla occur in the first few years of life, driven by factors such as the need for dental arch development and facial aesthetics, which are critical for proper function and appearance. Additionally, the maxilla is closely associated with the development of the nasal cavity, and its growth helps to accommodate the functional expectations of the surrounding structures. This early growth is essential in establishing proper occlusion and alignment with the mandible, which follows a more posterior and slower growth pattern initially. Ultimately, understanding the differential timing in growth patterns of these two structures is fundamental for orthodontics, as it can influence treatment planning and intervention timing for various dental and skeletal discrepancies.