In patients with a vertical growth pattern, how does the FMA angle change?

Prepare for the Orthodontics 5th Year SC Exam. Use flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations for each question. Increase your confidence and readiness for the test with targeted study tools and resources!

Multiple Choice

In patients with a vertical growth pattern, how does the FMA angle change?

Explanation:
In a vertical growth pattern, the mandible tends to rotate downward and backward as the face lengthens. This makes the mandibular plane steeper relative to the Frankfort horizontal, so the angle between these two reference lines—the FMA—becomes larger. Therefore, the FMA is increasing. Normal FMA is roughly in the mid-20s degrees; vertical growers typically show a higher angle, reflecting the taller lower face and steeper mandibular plane.

In a vertical growth pattern, the mandible tends to rotate downward and backward as the face lengthens. This makes the mandibular plane steeper relative to the Frankfort horizontal, so the angle between these two reference lines—the FMA—becomes larger. Therefore, the FMA is increasing. Normal FMA is roughly in the mid-20s degrees; vertical growers typically show a higher angle, reflecting the taller lower face and steeper mandibular plane.

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