Cephalometric characteristics of Class II division 1 and Class II division 2 malocclusions: a comparative study in children.

A comparison of dentoskeletal morphology in 347 Class II division 1 and 156 Class II division 2 malocclusions was performed using lateral cephalometric radiographs. Children at the ages of 8-10 years and 11-13 years were evaluated. The results of the study revealed broad variations in the variables analyzed. Skeletal Class II and Class III as well as hypo- and hyperdivergent maxillary/mandibular jaw base relationships were seen in both malocclusion samples. Noteworthy was the high frequency of cases with mandibular retrusion (Class II division 1 sample: 48% of the younger and 29% of the older subjects; Class II division 2 sample: 48% of the younger and 49% of the older subjects) and a short lower face (97%-100%). In conclusion it can be said that, except for the position of the maxillary incisors, no basic difference in dentoskeletal morphology exists between Class II division 1 and Class II division 2 malocclusions.