An increased mandibular plane angle is associated with what type of growth?

An increased mandibular plane angle is indeed associated with vertical growth. This concept is rooted in the understanding of craniofacial development and the relationship between different skeletal components.

When the mandibular plane angle becomes larger, it typically indicates that the mandible is growing in a more vertical fashion relative to the cranial base. This type of growth can lead to profiles characterized by longer lower jaws and can influence facial aesthetics and occlusion. The vertical relationship between the maxilla and mandible is crucial, as it can affect bite relationships and overall facial harmony.

In contrast to vertical growth, horizontal growth would involve the mandible extending forward or backward, affecting the anteroposterior dimension rather than the height of the jaw. Transversal growth refers to changes in width, such as the expansion of the dental arch, while circular growth is not a recognized pattern in cephalometric analysis. Thus, the implication of an increased mandibular plane angle aligns specifically with vertical growth patterns, reinforcing the link between the angle and vertical dimensional changes in the jaw.