The heritability of malocclusion: Part 1--Genetics, principles and terminology.

P. A. Mossey (Lead / Corresponding author)

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

61 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The relative contribution of genes and the environment to the aetiology of malocclusion has been a matter of controversy throughout the twentieth century. Genetic mechanisms are clearly predominant during embryonic craniofacial morphogenesis, but environment is also thought to influence dentofacial morphology postnatally, particularly during facial growth. Orthodontic and orthopaedic techniques are used in the treatment of malocclusion and other dentofacial deformities, but with limited effectiveness. The key to the determination of the aetiology of malocclusion, and its treatability lies in the ability to differentiate the effect of genes and environment on the craniofacial skeleton in a particular individual. Our ability to do this is limited by our lack of knowledge on the genetic mechanisms that control facial growth and lack of scientific evidence for the influence of environmental factors on human craniofacial morphogenesis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)103-113
Number of pages11
JournalBritish Journal of Orthodontics
Volume26
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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