The reconstruction of children's faces has always been considered more problematic than adult facial reconstruction. There are many difficulties associated with juvenile remains, including more inaccurate sex and racial origin determination, the more emotive and sensitive nature of an investigation into the death of an unknown child, and the less defined skeletal details associated with underdeveloped skulls. Historically this field has not been separated from adult facial reconstruction, although the differences between adult and juvenile skulls are enormous. This may be a reflection of the small numbers of juvenile reconstructions produced relative to adult reconstructions, and it may be due to the paucity of juvenile research. Until 1963 there were no published juvenile facial tissue depth measurements, and anthropometrical studies have concentrated on facial growth patterns rather than facial standards. However, there has been a great deal of anthropological research into age and sex determination, and the growth of juvenile skulls.

Juvenile age determination

With the remains of preadolescent children there are three age estimates that can be used: the numbers of emerged teeth, calcification of the permanent mandibular first molar, and the schedule of calcification of the dentition as a whole. A consistent and predictable sequence has been determined for the formation, eruption and loss of primary dentition, and its replacement with secondary dentition. The rates have been calculated for children from many populations (Iscan & Helmer, 1993). All the deciduous dentition and the first permanent molars have begun to mineralise at birth.