The objective of this study was to evaluate the anterior and posterior facial heights in 79 non orthodontic brazilian children, 46 females and 33 males, from 8 to 11 years old, presenting Angle Class I malocclusion, in the mixed dentition. Two lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken, with a time interval ranging from 8 to 16 months between radiographs in order to compare the cephalometric data. The anterior facial proportions were studied, based in following dimensions: N-Me (AFT), N-ENA (AFS) e ENA-Me (AFI). The Facial Height Index (IAF) was also evaluated taking in account the relationship between the Ar-Go (AFP) and the distance between the palatal plane and the menton (AFA). The results showed that growth tendencies were balanced; the Lower Facial Height dimension contributed more significantly to the Total Facial Height changes; the anterior facial proportions were around 42% for the Upper Facial Height and 58% for the Lower Facial height; the Facial Height Index was stable, around 0,66 or had a tendency to increase, according to the age; there were no sexual dimorphism in Anterior Facial Proportion and Facial Height Index.
Cephalometric; Growth; Skeletal pattern
