Assessment of Genetic and Environmental Contribution to Malocclusion and Craniofacial Complex: A Case Study of Twins

Relative contribution of genes and the environment as the etiology of malocclusion has been a matter of controversy throughout the twentieth century and first decade of twenty first century. As the matter of fact the complex process of human growth begins with basic genetic inheritance but shaped by environmental factors. Contribution of how genetic and environmental factors contribute to variation in dental and craniofacial morphology is entangled by twin studies. Even though malocclusions appear to be acquired, fundamental genetic control of craniofacial form often diverts twins into comparable physiologic responses leading to development of similar malocclusions. The purpose of this monozygotic or identical twins case report is to assess the variations within cranio-dento-facial complex influenced by the genetic and environmental factors.