OBJECTIVETo evaluate whether there is difference with regard to chin morphology in subjects with different vertical skeletal craniofacial pattern and the relationship among them.

METHODSThe sample was composed of 80 adolescents who denied orthodontic treatment history and presented Class I skeletal pattern, aged (12.69+/-0.70) years. They were divided into three groups according to mandibular plane angle: High angle group (21 cases, FH/MP> or = 32 degrees), average angle group(43 cases, 22 degrees

RESULTSSNA, SNB and ANB presented no significant difference among three groups. Compared with the low angle group, high angle subjects exhibited increased chin height, depth/height ratio, concavity and decreased chin angle. Therefore the chin looked lathier and less protrusive in high angle group. Positive correlation was found between mandibular plane angle and chin height, concavity, curvature (P<0.05), negative correlation between mandibular plane angle and chin minimal depth, depth/height ratio, angle.

CONCLUSIONDifference emerged with regard to chin morphology in subjects with different vertical craniofacial skeletal pattern, which deserves to be taken into consideration in orthodontic treatment planning.