Understanding how jaw growth differs in children with different facial types

Mechanobehavior distinguishes mandibular growth differences in two facial types

NIH-funded research Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10664884

This study looks at how kids with different face shapes—long and narrow versus short and wide—grow their jaws, to help improve braces and other treatments for those with bite problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOregon Health & Science University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10664884 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the growth of the jaw in children varies between those with long-narrow faces and those with short-wide faces. By examining the mechanics of jaw loading and the behaviors associated with these facial types, the study aims to improve orthodontic treatments for children suffering from malocclusions. The research will involve observing selected groups of children before and during their orthodontic treatment to gather data on their jaw growth patterns. The ultimate goal is to develop more effective dentofacial orthopedic therapies that yield predictable outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 years who have been diagnosed with malocclusions and exhibit either dolichofacial or brachyfacial characteristics.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have malocclusions or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective orthodontic treatments for children, reducing the need for costly and ineffective therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been research on jaw growth and orthodontic treatments, this specific focus on mechanobehavior in different facial types is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Portland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.