Normal growth of maxilla occurs by
Displacement and drift
Drift only
Apposition
Replacement resorption
Growth of the nasomaxillary complex:
The nasomaxillary complex consists of the bones and cartilages of the nose and maxilla. Growth of the nasomaxillary complex occurs by primary growth, secondary displacement and surface remodelling.
The maxilla displaces downward and forward due to sutural growth at its posterior margins, while surface resorptive changes lead to deepening of its facial surface. Drift is brought about by deposition on one side and resorption on the opposite side of the same cortical plate. The classical example of cortical drift is provided by growth of the facial surface of the maxilla.