Changes in cranial base morphology in different malocclusions

Objectives -To evaluate the differences in cranial base flexure between skeletal and dental Class 1, Class 11 and Class III malocclusions. Design - Lateral cephalometric radiographs, matched for age, of skeletal Class Class 11 and Class I I I patients with an average vertical growth pattern were analyzed and compared. Setting and sample population - A total of 75 patients having skeletal Class I (n = 25), Class 11 (n = 25) and Class III (n = 25) malocclusions of Baskent University. Experimental variable -Anterior (SN) and posterior (SBa) cranial base lengths, cranial base angle (N-S-Ba, N-S-Ar) and both anterior (SN-FH) and posterior (SBa-FH) cranial base inclinations were measured on the pretreatment lateral cephalograms. Outcome measure - Size and shape differences in cranial base between different malocclusions. Results -Anterior and posterior cranial base lengths, and cranial base angles did not show statistically significant differences between the three groups studied. Both anterior and posterior cranial base inclinations were increased significantly in the Class III group compared with Class I and Class 11 groups. Conclusions - No differences were observed in anterior and posterior cranial base lengths, and cranial base angles between the three malocclusions. However, cranial base inclinations were increased in Class III malocclusions.