The morphology and texture of Iraqi skeletal class II young adults : cephalometric study

Abstract EN

Background : Different studies concerning craniofacial morphology of skeletal Class II have reported a lot of controversies in their results.

The aim of the present study is to study the types of class II that can be found what are the texture and craniofacial growth pattern in each type rather than in the loose context of "Class II".

Materials and methods : The skeletal class II sample included 104 pretreatment digital lateral cephalometric radiographs (18-30 years) who were selected on the basis of Beta angle [<27°] and divided into five groups according to the location of maxilla and mandible in relation to the anterior cranial base (SNA and SNB angles).

Another 30 radiographs were selected as a control group (normal SNA and SNB angles, Beta angle 27°-35°).

Fourteen angular and nine linear measurements were digitized and recorded using AutoCAD 2010 computer program.

Results and conclusions : In comparison with skeletal class I, skeletal class II had no significant difference in anterior and posterior cranial base lengths and facial heights.

The individuals with othognathism of upper jaw and retrognathism of lower had the highest anterior facial height and the least mandibular base length, while those with prognathism of upper jaw with orthognathism of lower had the highest gonial angle with least articular angle.

Combination of prognathism of maxilla with retognathism of mandible showed vertical growth pattern with most convex profile.

Retrognathism of both upper and lower jaws appeared in individuals with highest saddle and palatal plane angle with the least gonial angle, while individuals with prognathism of both jaws showed horizontal growth pattern with highest posterior facial height and least mandibular plane angle and anterior facial height.