ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Vertical malocclusions of the incisor teeth namely, anterior openbite and deep overbite present a challenge to the orthodontic clinicians. Determining the etiology of these is utmost important for further treatment planning and prognosis. Present study was carried out to understand the dentofacial skeletal pattern of the deep overbite in two types of deformities, Angle's Class II Div.l & Class II Div.2 (study group) and comparing them with normal occlusion (control group). Methods: Lateral cephalogram of total 60 pts, 20 in each of the above mentioned groups were analysed using 19 linear and 8 angular parameters and results of each group were compared with other two groups and conclusions were drawn. Result and conclusion: Larger posterior facial height, lower anterior facial height, lower gonial angle, larger Jaraback’s ratio & reduced lower molar height together contribute to horizontal growth pattern. It was concluded that there is more horizontal growth pattern in class II div. 2 cases hence the deepbite is more severe in class II div.2 cases compared to div.1 cases.