To compare the difference of corresponding age at cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) stages among different skeletal malocclusions and provide clinic guideline on optimal treatment timing for skeletal malocclusion.

Based on ANB angle, 2 575 cephalograms collected from Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from May, 2006 to November, 2014 were classified into skeletal Class Ⅰ (ANB 0°~5°, 1 317 subjects), Class Ⅱ (ANB>5°, 685 subjects) and Class Ⅲ (ANB<0°, 573 subjects) groups. CVM stages were evaluated with the modified version of CVM method. Independent sample t test was performed to analyze the difference of age at different CVM stages among various skeletal groups.

Significant gender difference of age was found at CS3 to CS6 for skeletal Class Ⅰ group (P<0.05), at CS5 and CS6 for skeletal Class Ⅱ group (P<0.05), and at CS3 and CS5 for skeletal Class Ⅲ group (P<0.05). At CS3 stage, the average age of male in skeletal Class Ⅱ and skeletal Class Ⅲ groups was (11.6±1.5) years old and (10.3±1.9) years old, respectively; the average age of females in those two groups was (11.7±1.3) years old and (9.3±1.5) years old, respectively, and significant difference was found in both comparisons (P<0.05). Compared average age at CS5 and CS6 between skeletal Class Ⅱ and skeletal Class Ⅲ groups [the ages of male was (15.1±1.7) and (16.8±1.6) years old, the ages of male was (14.6 ± 1.2) and (15.7 ± 2.5) years old], significant difference was also found (P<0.05).

Significant gender differences were found when evaluated CVM stage and age in skeletal Class Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ groups. Significant differences of age at different CVM stage was noted when skeletal Class Ⅱ was compared with skeletal Class Ⅲ groups.

Malocclusion; Cervical vertebrae; Age determination by skeleton; Age