Point B
A cephalometric landmark (also called supramentale) marking the deepest concavity on the anterior surface of the mandibular alveolar process in the midsagittal plane.
Full Definition
Point B, or supramentale, is located at the most posterior point of the concavity between the chin (pogonion) and the alveolar crest of the lower central incisors on a lateral cephalogram. Alongside Point A, it forms the basis of the ANB angle, which quantifies the sagittal jaw relationship. Like Point A, Point B is susceptible to positional change with lower incisor proclination or retroclination. Editors should use the term 'supramentale' when anatomical precision is required and reserve 'Point B' for cephalometric analytical contexts.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise both words (Point B); do not conflate with pogonion, which is more inferior. Both Points A and B are dentoalveolar and therefore treatment-sensitive.
In Context
- "Point B moved anteriorly by 2 mm following mandibular advancement surgery, reducing the ANB angle." — Post-surgical cephalometric comparison
- "The discrepancy between Point A and Point B indicated a significant Class II skeletal pattern." — Orthodontic diagnosis summary