Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review on the morphological characteristics of the skull base (flexion, anterior length and posterior length) and the concomitant development of malocclusions, by comparing differences in dimorphism, ethnicity and age. Methods: The articles were selected by means of electronic search on BBO, MEDLINE and LILACS databases from 1966 to 2016. A qualitative evaluation of the methodologies used on the articles was also performed. Results: Although the literature on this topic is abundant, only 16 articles were selected for the present systematic review. The cranial base angle itself does not seem to play a significant role in the development of malocclusions. In fact, the cranial base angle is relatively stable at the ages of 5 to 15 years. Conclusions: A more obtuse angle at the skull base, in association or not with a greater anterior length of the cranial base, can contribute to the development of Class II division 1 malocclusions. On the other hand, a more acute angle at the skull base can contribute to a more anterior positioning of the mandible and to the development of Class III malocclusions.

Objective: This paper analyzed whether nickel-titanium closed coil springs (NTCCS) have a different superelastic (SE) behavior according to activation and whether their force plateau corresponds to that informed by the manufacturer.Methods:A total of 160 springs were divided into 16 subgroups according to their features and activated proportionally to the length of the extensible part (NiTi) of the spring (Y). The force values measured were analyzed to determine SE rates and force plateaus, which were mathematically calculated. These plateaus were compared to those informed by the manufacturer. Analysis of variance was accomplished followed by Tukey post-hoc test to detect and analyze differences between groups.Results: All subgroups were SE at the activation of 400% of Y length, except for: subgroups 4B and 3A, which were SE at 300%; subgroups 4E and 4G, which were SE at 500%; and subgroup 3C, which was SE at 600%. Subgroup 3B did not show a SE behavior. Force plateaus depended on activation and, in some subgroups and some activations, were similar to the force informed.Conclusions: Most of the springs showed SE behavior at 400% of activation. Force plateaus are difficult to compare due to lack of information provided by manufacturers.