OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of available spaces of posterior arch segments in mandibular dentition from 13 to 18 years of age, which would provide information for space analysis of whole dental arch in adolescents.

METHODSTwenty-six adolescents (12 males, 14 females) with normal occlusion were selected. All of the subjects had lateral cephalograms taken at the same time each year for 6 years. Longitudinal cephalometry and statistic analysis were conducted for all subjects.

RESULTSSignificant differences of available space were found between males and females. The growth of available space from 13 to 18 years of age was 5.12 mm in females and 5.79 mm in males. The completion of mandibular remodeling in males lagged behind females for about 1 year. No significant increase was found in girls beyond 16 years and in boys beyond 17 years. There was a 1.22 mm increase on each side per year in females until 16 years and a 1.45 mm increase in males until 17 years. The increase of available space was made partly by resorption of bone from the anterior border of the ramus and partly by mesial movement of the first molar. The mesial movement of dental arch was probably stimulated by the eruption of the third molars.

CONCLUSIONSThe prediction of available space should be based on age and sex.