American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

In Class II patients with a high SN-MP angle, a notable feature on the maxillary palate is the presence of a thin alveolus on the lingual aspect of the maxillary apex. This characteristic is often indicative of the underlying skeletal relationship and the dental positioning that occurs with such an angle. A high SN-MP angle typically suggests a more vertical growth pattern of the face, which can affect the anatomic structures of the alveolar bone.

The maxillary incisors may exhibit a thin lingual wall, reflecting the discrepancy in growth patterns and the subsequent adaptation of the alveolar structure. This thinner alveolus is a result of both dental and skeletal compensations that occur in these patients, directly influencing how the maxilla and its surrounding structures develop as the individual grows.

The other options do not accurately reflect the common findings associated with this specific dental and skeletal relationship in patients with a high SN-MP angle. For example, a thick alveolus is not commonly present in this scenario, as the alveolar bone tends to adapt to the positional changes of the teeth, leading to a thinner configuration in those with a high angular relationship. Similarly, while normal alveolar structures might be seen in other cases, they do not represent the unique features observed in