American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

In the context of craniofacial morphology, research indicates that class III patients typically exhibit a smaller cranial base angle compared to class I and class II patients. The cranial base angle is a critical component in assessing the relationship between the cranial base and the maxillary plane. In class III malocclusion, characterized by a more protruded mandible relative to the maxilla, this smaller angle suggests a potential alteration in the developmental patterns of the craniofacial complex.

This smaller angle in class III patients can influence overall facial aesthetics and occlusion. By contrast, in classes I and II, there tends to be a more balanced or larger cranial base angle, which supports optimal relationships between the maxilla and mandible. Therefore, understanding these distinctions is crucial for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, as they may guide clinicians in choosing the most effective corrective approaches based on the patient's skeletal characteristics.