A retrospective study was conducted in order to evaluate post-retention changes of skeletal, dental, and soft-tissue variables in Class II division 2 malocclusions. Data were obtained from lateral cephalograms of children with Class II division 2 malocclusions which were taken before orthodontic treatment (T00; n = 81), post-retention (T0; n = 81), 2 years post-retention (T2; n = 65) and 5 years post-retention (T5; n = 44). A two-way ANOVA with sex and age as predictors was applied. Significant sex and age influences for the increments were mostly found during treatment (T00-T0), but especially for skeletal variables also during T0-T5. The changes over time were more pronounced for males than for females. The changes over time were less pronounced in older age groups. Sagittal and vertical facial dimensions were increased by growth and therapy. The skeletal Class II pattern was reduced significantly during T00-T0. Several skeletal variables indicated an anterior rotational growth pattern of the mandible post-retention. The interincisal angle and the overbite were reduced, and the upper incisors were torqued during treatment. The inclination of upper and especially lower incisors showed some relapse post-retention. The overbite and the interincisal angle increased significantly post-retention. The lip line was lowered during treatment. The soft-tissues showed horizontal and vertical growth during treatment while there were no remarkable changes afterwards. Due to growth the nose and the chin became more pronounced in the face.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)