[Craniofacial characteristics of the Class II division 1 malocclusion patients with mouth-breating: a posteroanterior].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the craniofacial characteristics of the Class II malocclusion patients with mouth-breating by posteroanterior cephalometry.

METHODS

To measure craniofacial width of the 12 Class II malocclusion patients with mouth-breathing, and to compared these measures with corresponding measures in a group of normal children.

RESULTS

The width of the maxillary base bone (J-J) was less than that in normal children significantly (P < 0.01). The mouth-breathing children's upper and lower arch width (at first molar and cuspid) were comparatively narrower, and lateronasal width (Lap-Lap) was narrower too.

CONCLUSION

Mouth breathing may lead to craniofacial morphological abnormal development in craniofacial transverse structures.