American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

Skeletal modification in the treatment of hyperdivergent phenotypes typically involves approaches that can effectively influence and modify the growth patterns of the jaw and craniofacial structures. High pull headgear is particularly effective as it helps in controlling vertical growth by applying orthopedic forces to the maxilla, which can reduce the upward and forward growth of the maxilla typical in hyperdivergent patterns.

Extractions may also play a role in managing space and improving the overall dental and skeletal relationships when treating hyperdivergent cases. By creating space, extractions can assist in achieving a more favorable dental position, thereby modifying skeletal patterns over time. Bite blocks are specifically designed to alter vertical relationships, and thus, can help prevent excessive vertical growth in hyperdivergent patients, effectively assisting in achieving a more balanced occlusion.

The combined use of these modalities allows for a multi-faceted approach, targeting vertical growth control and positional alignment of the teeth and jaws, making them the most effective choice for addressing the skeletal aspects of hyperdivergent phenotypes in early treatment. The effectiveness of this approach is further backed by clinical evidence supporting the use of these modalities in managing such skeletal relationships.