Which ANB value corresponds to Class II malocclusion?

Which ANB value corresponds to Class II malocclusion?

• A. ANB ≤ 0°
• B. ANB = 2°
• C. ANB ≥ 4°
• D. ANB = -2°

Answer: (C)

ANB angle tells you how far forward the upper jaw is relative to the lower jaw, comparing the maxilla and mandible against the cranial base. It’s calculated from angles at SNA and SNB, so it directly reflects the anterior-posterior jaw relationship. When the maxilla sits noticeably ahead of the mandible, the ANB angle becomes more positive. A typical normal/neutral relationship is around 2 degrees. If the ANB angle reaches 4 degrees or more, that indicates a pronounced forward position of the maxilla relative to the mandible, which corresponds to Class II malocclusion. If the ANB is around 0 or negative, that points toward Class III malocclusion, where the mandible is relatively forward. Keep in mind that ANB can be influenced by factors like the position of nasion or vertical facial growth, so clinicians may corroborate with additional measurements if the radiographic film or growth pattern could skew the angle.

ANB angle tells you how far forward the upper jaw is relative to the lower jaw, comparing the maxilla and mandible against the cranial base. It’s calculated from angles at SNA and SNB, so it directly reflects the anterior-posterior jaw relationship.

When the maxilla sits noticeably ahead of the mandible, the ANB angle becomes more positive. A typical normal/neutral relationship is around 2 degrees. If the ANB angle reaches 4 degrees or more, that indicates a pronounced forward position of the maxilla relative to the mandible, which corresponds to Class II malocclusion. If the ANB is around 0 or negative, that points toward Class III malocclusion, where the mandible is relatively forward.

Keep in mind that ANB can be influenced by factors like the position of nasion or vertical facial growth, so clinicians may corroborate with additional measurements if the radiographic film or growth pattern could skew the angle.