Abstract

This paper evaluates the relationship between maximum mandibular vertical opening and the following variables: chronological age, craniomandibular relationships, and temporomandibular joint awareness in children. The range of mandibular movement was evaluated in 189 children between the ages of 4 and 14 years, using the method of Agerberg. Measurements were found to be accurate and reliable only in the vertical plane. Cephalometric tracings were made on 131 of the subjects. Significant relationships were noted for maximum vertical opening with age, anterior facial height, and mandibular length. A temporomandibular joint awareness questionnaire was verbally given to all subjects with no parental input. Responses to the questionnaire were found to be unreliable, based upon a retest of 25 subjects one month later. It is noteworthy that all of the changes in responses on the retest were to the same question, “Does your jaw ever feel tired? ”

This paper was presented to the North Atlantic Component of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists in Boston, April 5, 1990.