[Classification of skeletal facial types].

Abstract Four basic facial types have been defined—two in the anteroposterior and two in the vertical dimensions. They are syndromes of characteristics which, added together, may create a facial deformity. Facial types of a multidimensional nature derive from the combination of anteroposterior and vertical dimensions. Teeth, muscles, and bones interact intimately during growth, increasing or masking initial deformities. This classification of facial types may be used (1) to distinguish skeletal from dental malocclusion, (2) to evaluate physiologic differences, (3) to explain variation in facial esthetics, (4) to describe racial differences in facial proportions, (5) to study hereditary transmission, and (6) to predict facial growth.