ANB Angle
Pronunciation: ay-en-bee ANG-gul
Also written as: ANB — A point–Nasion–B point angle
A cephalometric measurement representing the angular difference between the SNA and SNB angles, used to assess the anteroposterior (front-to-back) relationship between the maxilla and mandible.
Full Definition
The ANB angle is calculated by subtracting the SNB angle (angle formed by the sella-nasion and nasion-B point planes) from the SNA angle (angle formed by the sella-nasion and nasion-A point planes). A normal ANB angle is approximately 2°; values greater than 4° indicate a Class II skeletal pattern (maxilla positioned forward relative to the mandible), while negative values suggest a Class III skeletal pattern. The ANB angle is one of the most frequently cited cephalometric values in orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic literature. Editors must render it as 'ANB angle' (all caps for the abbreviation) and should not expand it to a spelled-out name, as it is universally recognized in this abbreviated form.
Usage
Usage note: Always written in all capitals (ANB), not 'Anb' or 'anb.' Do not attempt to spell out the abbreviation in running text; the abbreviation is the standard form across the discipline.
In Context
- "A post-treatment ANB angle of 2° confirmed resolution of the skeletal Class II discrepancy." — Cephalometric analysis table
- "The ANB angle should be interpreted alongside the Wits appraisal for a complete picture of jaw relationships." — Research article methods section