Classification Of Teeth

The classification of bites is broken up into three main categories: Class I, II, and III. This classification refers to the position of the first molars and how they bite together.

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

An illustration of a jaw showing the teeth in a class 1 normal relationship
Normal

A visual of a jaw showing the teeth in a crowded class 1 relationship
Crowding

A visual of a jaw with overly spaced teeth in a class 1 relationship
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 digit sucking. Class II problems are treated via growth redirection to bring the upper and lower teeth and jaws into harmony.

An illustration showing the upper front teeth jutting forward in a class 2 division 1 relationship
Division 1

A visual of class 2 division 2 teeth with the upper front teeth overlapping the bottom teeth
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 jaw. There is a concave appearance in profile with a prominent chin. Class III problems are usually due to an overgrowth in the lower jaw, an undergrowth of the upper jaw, or a combination of the two. Like Class II problems, they can be genetically inherited.

A depiction of class 3 relationships with a protruding lower jaw cause by an undergrown upper jaw or undergrown lower jaw
Skeleton

A visual of a class 3 teeth relationship with upper front teeth resting behind the lower due to misaligned teeth
Dental

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