Abstract

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the association between vertical facial morphology and overjet in untreated Class II subjects. Materials and Methods: The lateral cephalograms of 140 untreated Class II subjects (68 males and 72 females) between 8 and 11 years of age were divided into three groups based on their overjet value as measured on study casts: Group I normal overjet (less than 3 mm), Group II increased overjet (more than 3 mm but less than or equal to 6 mm), and Group III extreme overjet (more than 6 mm). Mean values and standard deviations of 28 variables measured on lateral cephalograms were calculated. Differences between the three groups were tested using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Bonferroni tests. Additionally, cephalometric differences between groups and available normal values for the Syrian population were evaluated using an independent t-test. Results: Subjects with normal overjet showed a horizontal facial pattern and posterior inclination of the maxilla, whereas increased overjet subjects exhibited a neutral facial pattern. In contrast, subjects with extreme overjet had a vertical facial pattern and anterior inclination of the maxilla. The mandible was retrognathic and the maxilla was normally positioned in the three groups. Conclusions: A positive association was found between the overjet and the tendency toward a hyperdivergent pattern.