321 Spruce Street, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: (570) 969-9650
www.PerihSmile.com
Bank Towers, Suite 901, 321 Spruce Street, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: (570) 969-9650 E-mail:
Understanding the Growth of Children
Biological Ages
The three forms of biological age determination used most widely are based on the degree of development of the skeleton, the teeth , and sexual maturation.
- Skeletal age: can be determined by Dr. Perih at the office by taking an x-ray of your child's hand. This x-ray uses the development of the finger and wrist bones to determine the maturation of their skeleton at the present time. Taken along with their exact height, Dr. Perih can predict your child's future final height.
- Dental age: is determined by an intraoral examination and if needed a panoramic xray provided by your dentist or taken by Dr. Perih.
- Sexual maturation: is determined by a thorough health history provided by the family. Dr. Perih utilizes Information about these three factors to determine how and when orthodontic treatment should begin.
Growth Spurt Facts
There is a great variation in the age of the adolescent growth spurt. A variation of up to two years for the average growth spurt is considered normal.
- Girls - the adolescent growth spurt can lie between the ages of 9 to 13. Compared to boys this growth spurt lasts less time and is less intense for girls.
- Boys - the adolescent growth spurt usually lies between the ages of 13 to 15. - In children who experience their growth spurt early, the entire process is quicker and ultimate height is reached earlier.
In children who experience the growth spurt later, the entire process is slower and lasts longer and thus often results in these children achieving a greater height than those who mature early. - The difference in height between adult males and females is due to the benefit boys have of two extra growing years before they enter puberty. This accounts for about 4 inches of the difference between males and females.
Growth of Body Parts
There exists a fixed order in which the different parts of the body will experience their accelerated growth. It is as follows: - 1st, the foot grows - 2nd, 6 months later, the leg grows - 3rd, 4 months later, the hips increase in width and the chest increases in breath - 4th, 2-3 months later, the shoulders increase in width (more so in boys) - 5th, 2-3 months later, the length of the trunk and depth of the chest increase. With the attainment of puberty, the sex hormones start to exert a great influence. In boys, the genitals grow and pubic hair appears later followed by hair in the armpits and on the face. The voice breaks due to enlargement of the larynx. In girls, the breasts enlarge and hair appears on the pubes and then in the armpit. Internally the ovaries and uterus start to grow. When the hormone production is sufficient and the different hormones are in good balance, menstruation begins.
Seasonal Growth
Climate has no effect on growth in humans, but seasons do! Boys and girls grow more in the spring and summer than in the autumn and winter. In addition, children produce more growth hormone during the first hours of sleep than during the day. Therefore, regular and sufficient sleep is important.
Growth of The Face
The most notable adolescent growth spurt in the face is an increase in the height of the lower jaw. This coincides with the peak in overall body height.
The upper and lower jaws have reached about 80% of their ultimate growth by age 6.
Girls - Reach their adult facial form approximately by age 14 or 15.
Boys - However, continue to show great change in the facial form between ages 15 and 20.
This is why men tend to show straighter profiles and stronger chins than women. Orthopedic orthodontic treatment is best performed well before facial maturation in order to achieve the best results.