Orthodontics · patient case question
In a patient with a Class II skeletal pattern of the type shown, how would you describe the mandibular plane angle?
Patient case: Tissue displacement, facial pattern and complete dentures
Scenario: Three prosthodontic and orthodontic items.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. High (steep)
- A. A cephalogram quantifies the angle, but the facial pattern is readily assessed clinically from a profile photograph.
- B. An average angle would be the mesofacial pattern, which was not what the photograph showed.
- C. Correct. A steep mandibular plane accompanies a vertical growth pattern — a long lower face, a backward-rotating mandible, and a tendency to anterior open bite. This is the classic Class II hyperdivergent face.
- D. A low or flat mandibular plane belongs to the horizontal, brachyfacial pattern with a strong deep bite and a square lower face.