Cephalometric Analysis
Cephalometrics quantifies skeletal and dental relationships from a standardized lateral skull radiograph.
Key Angles (Steiner)
- SNA ≈ 82° — position of the maxilla relative to the cranial base.
- SNB ≈ 80° — position of the mandible relative to the cranial base.
- ANB ≈ 2° — the maxillo-mandibular (skeletal) relationship. ANB > 4° → Class II; ANB < 0° → Class III.
Wits Appraisal
Used when ANB is unreliable (e.g., rotated jaws or a steep occlusal plane). It measures the AP discrepancy by projecting points A and B onto the occlusal plane.
Important Landmarks
Nasion (N), Sella (S), Point A (subspinale), Point B (supramentale), Gonion, Menton, ANS/PNS.
Exam Tips ⭐
SNA 82, SNB 80, ANB 2. High ANB = Class II; negative ANB = Class III. Wits used when ANB misleads.
📝 Practice MCQs — Cephalometric Analysis
Q1. The normal value of the ANB angle is approximately:
A. 0°
B. 2°
C. 8°
D. 12°
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
ANB ≈ 2° indicates a normal skeletal AP relationship.
Q2. SNA angle indicates the position of the:
A. Mandible
B. Maxilla relative to cranial base
C. Teeth
D. Occlusal plane
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
SNA relates the maxilla (point A) to the cranial base.
Q3. A patient with ANB of 7° is most likely skeletal:
A. Class I
B. Class II
C. Class III
D. Open bite
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
ANB > 4° suggests a skeletal Class II pattern.
Q4. The Wits appraisal is used when:
A. ANB is reliable
B. ANB is unreliable
C. There is crowding
D. Molars are missing
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Wits is used when rotations/occlusal plane make ANB unreliable.
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