Which cephalometric angle value determines the type of facial growth?

Which cephalometric angle value determines the type of facial growth?

• A. IMPA
• B. SNA
• C. FMA
• D. ANB

Answer: (C)

Vertical growth pattern is shown by how steep the mandible sits relative to the cranial base, which is captured by the Frankfort–mandibular plane angle. A larger Frankfort–mandibular plane angle indicates a vertical (dolichofacial) growth pattern with increased lower facial height, while a smaller angle indicates a horizontal (brachyfacial) growth pattern with a shorter lower face. The other measures—SNA, ANB, and IMPA—relate to sagittal jaw relationships or dental inclination and don’t directly define growth direction.

Vertical growth pattern is shown by how steep the mandible sits relative to the cranial base, which is captured by the Frankfort–mandibular plane angle. A larger Frankfort–mandibular plane angle indicates a vertical (dolichofacial) growth pattern with increased lower facial height, while a smaller angle indicates a horizontal (brachyfacial) growth pattern with a shorter lower face. The other measures—SNA, ANB, and IMPA—relate to sagittal jaw relationships or dental inclination and don’t directly define growth direction.