Upper Anterior Facial Height
The cephalometric distance between nasion and the anterior nasal spine, representing the skeletal contribution to the upper face.
Full Definition
Upper anterior facial height (UAFH) is measured on a lateral cephalogram from nasion (N) to the anterior nasal spine (ANS) and reflects the vertical development of the middle third of the face. It is used in conjunction with lower anterior facial height to compute the total anterior facial height and the LAFH/UAFH ratio, which informs vertical facial classification. An elevated ratio suggests a hyperdivergent pattern, while a reduced ratio may indicate a hypodivergent or deep-bite tendency. Editors must be careful to distinguish UAFH from 'total anterior facial height' and from 'lower anterior facial height,' as these are distinct measurements frequently cited in the same cephalometric table.
Usage
Usage note: When abbreviating, use UAFH consistently throughout a document; avoid mixing with 'AFH' which may refer to the total.
In Context
- "The UAFH/LAFH ratio of 0.75 confirmed a hyperdivergent vertical skeletal pattern." — Cephalometric analysis report
- "Post-surgical records demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in upper anterior facial height." — Research article