Which pathology is associated with an increased SNB angle?

Which pathology is associated with an increased SNB angle?

• A. Mandibular retrognation
• B. Maxillary prognosis
• C. Mandibular prognosis
• D. Bimaxillary retrognation

Answer: (C)

SNB measures how far forward the mandible sits in relation to the cranial base. When the mandible is prognathic (forward-positioned), the SNB angle increases beyond its normal range. That forward position of the mandible corresponds to mandibular prognathism, which is why this is the pathology associated with an increased SNB angle. Mandibular retrognathism would pull the mandible back and reduce SNB. Maxillary prognathism mainly affects the SNA angle rather than SNB. Bimaxillary retrognathism involves backward-positioned jaws and does not cause an increased SNB.

SNB measures how far forward the mandible sits in relation to the cranial base. When the mandible is prognathic (forward-positioned), the SNB angle increases beyond its normal range. That forward position of the mandible corresponds to mandibular prognathism, which is why this is the pathology associated with an increased SNB angle.

Mandibular retrognathism would pull the mandible back and reduce SNB. Maxillary prognathism mainly affects the SNA angle rather than SNB. Bimaxillary retrognathism involves backward-positioned jaws and does not cause an increased SNB.