A lateral cephalometric radiograph shows a Class II skeletal pattern with an anterior open bite. What additional finding might you expect on clinical examination of the anterior teeth?

Persistent mamelons on the incisal edges
Severe attrition/wear facets on the incisal edges
Excessive incisal overlap with no spacing
No correlation exists between open bite and mamelon visibility

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Correct answer: A. Persistent mamelons on the incisal edges

Mamelons (the small rounded protuberances on the incisal edge of newly erupted incisors) are normally worn down through functional occlusal contact over time. In a patient with an anterior open bite, since the anterior teeth never make functional contact, these mamelons can persist and remain visible for longer than would be typical in a patient with normal anterior occlusal contact.

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A lateral cephalometric radiograph shows a Class II skeletal pattern with an anterior open bite. What additional finding might you expect on clinical examination of the anterior teeth?

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