Classification of Face and Teeth

Classification of Teeth

The classification of bites are broken up into three main categories: Class I, II, and III.

Class 1:
Class I is a normal relationship between the upper teeth, lower teeth and jaws or balanced bite.

Animation of a class 1 normal bite
Normal

Animation of a class 1 bite with crowded teeth
Crowding

Animation of a class 1 bite with spaced teeth
Spacing

Class II:
Class II is where the lower first molar is posterior (or more towards the back of the mouth) than the upper first molar. In this abnormal relationship, the upper front teeth and jaw project further forward than the lower teeth and jaw. There is a convex appearance in profile with a receding chin and lower lip. Class II problems can be due to insufficient growth of the lower jaw, an over growth of the upper jaw or a combination of the two. In many cases, Class II problems are genetically inherited and can be aggravated by environmental factors such as finger sucking. Class II problems are treated via growth redirection to bring the upper teeth, lower teeth and jaws into harmony.

Animation of a class 2 bite with the upper jaw and teeth protruding out over
Division 1

Animation of a class 2 bite with the upper jaw protruding out over the lower jaw
Division 2

Class III:
Class III is where the lower first molar is anterior (or more towards the front of the mouth) than the upper first molar. In this abnormal relationship, the lower teeth and jaw project further forward than the upper teeth and jaws. There is a concave appearance in profile with a prominent chin. Class III problems are usually due to an overgrowth in the lower jaw, undergrowth of the upper jaw or a combination of the two. Like Class II problems, they can be genetically inherited.

Animation of a class 3 bite with the lower jaw and teeth protruding past the upper jaw and teeth
Skeleton

Animation of a class 3 bite with the lower jaw protruding past the upper jaw
Dental

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Classification of Face

It is not sufficient to categorize orthodontic malocclusions on the basis of a classification of the teeth alone. The relationship with other craniofacial structures must also be taken into consideration.

Class 1:

Animation of class 1 maxillary-mandibular dental protrusion
Maxillary-Mandibular Dental Protrusion — teeth:
This is an example of a dental malocclusion that may require the removal of teeth for correction.

Animation of class 1 maxillary dental protrusion
Maxillary-Mandibular Dental Retrusion — teeth:
This is an example of a dental malocclusion that may be treated with expansion rather than removing teeth.

Class 2:

Animation of class 1 maxillary-mandibular dental retrusion
Maxillary Dental Protrusion — teeth:
This malocclusion may require the removal of teeth.

Animation of class 2 maxillary dental protrusion
Mandibular Retrognathism — jaws:
The lower jawbone has not grown as much as the upper jaw. This example of a Class II malocclusion demonstrates the need for early growth guidance.

Animation of class 2 mandibular retrognathism
Maxillary Dental Protrusion — teeth & Mandibular Retrognathism — jaws:
These Class malocclusions are more difficult to treat due to the skeletal disharmony and may require orthognathic surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.

Class 3:

Animation of class 3 mandibular dental protrusion
Mandibular Dental Protrusion — teeth:
The lower teeth are too far in front of the upper teeth. This malocclusion is treated with orthodontic procedures which may require the extraction of teeth due to the dental protrusion.

Animation of class 3 mandibular prognathism
Mandibular Prognathism — jaws:
The lower jaw bone has outgrown the upper jaw. This malocclusion is more difficult to treat due to the skeletal disharmony and may require orthognathic surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.