Which malocclusion is characterized by an adenoidal face?

• A. I class
• B. III class (skeletal form)
• C. II/1 class
• D. III class (functional form)

Answer: (C)

Chronic nasal obstruction from enlarged adenoids tends to make a child breathe through the mouth, which changes facial growth and dental alignment. The open-mouth posture reduces the natural tongue pressure against the upper teeth and palate, contributing to a longer lower face and a tendency for the upper front teeth to tilt forward. This combination produces a Class II skeletal relationship with dentoalveolar characteristics of forward-projecting upper incisors and increased overjet, known as Class II Division 1. The other patterns don’t align with this mouth-breathing–related growth pattern, so the adenoidal face most closely matches Class II Division 1 malocclusion.