What age group benefits most from early vertical control in VME management?

Early vertical control in the management of Vertical Maxillary Excess (VME) is particularly beneficial for children. This age group is at a developmental stage where dental and skeletal growth is still ongoing, which means that there is a greater potential to influence growth patterns and dental alignment.

In children, the intervening treatments can effectively harness and guide the ongoing growth of both the maxilla and the mandible. This proactive approach can lead to improved skeletal relationships and better esthetic outcomes later on, as the skeletal structure becomes more balanced. The timing is crucial because corrective measures implemented during this phase can help prevent more invasive treatments, such as orthognathic surgery, that may be required if management is deferred until adulthood.

In contrast, while adolescents may also benefit from treatment, their growth spurts are typically more unpredictable, and strategic interventions might yield less impactful results than when performed on younger, growing children. Adults show minimal vertical skeletal growth potential, making early intervention less relevant. Infants are generally not candidates for VME management due to their rapid growth and the fact that their skeletal structures are not yet fully developed for such measures. Thus, children represent the ideal age group that can reap significant benefits from early vertical control in the context of VME management.