Incisor inclination in Class 2 division 2 malocclusions.

Longitudinal cephalometric records of 54 cases have been used to investigate the stage at which lingual inclination of upper central incisors in Class II division ii malocclusions is initiated. A sample of cases with a fully developed Class II division ii malocclusion was compared with both Class II division i and normal cases. The results show there to be little difference of orientation between the three groups at the stage of initial crown formation. However, divergence between the groups begins before incisors emerge into the mouth, immediately after which rapid changes establish the characteristic inclinations of Angle's Class II division i and division ii malocclusions. The part played by alveolar contour and the inclination of deciduous predecessors is discussed.