An investigation into the relationship between the cranial base angle and malocclusion.

A number of authors have suggested that there is a relationship between the degree of cranial base flexion and type of malocclusion, with the angle becoming increasingly obtuse from class III through class I to class II subjects. A retrospective cephalometric study was carried out to examine the contribution of cranial base angle in the four groups of malocclusion as classified by the British Standards Institution. Results showed that the cranial base flexure does not play a pivotal role in determining malocclusion. Jaw size, however, was significantly different between the main classes of malocclusion. The maxilla was found to be longer in class II subjects and the mandible longer in class III subjects.