Face & Teeth Classifications Walnut Creek

How does my bite affect my oral health?

The classification of bites are broken up into three main categories: Class I, II, and III.
Class I: Class I is a normal relationship between the upper teeth, 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 finger sucking. Class II problems are treated via growth redirection to bring the upper teeth, lower teeth and jaws into harmony.

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

A visual of class 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 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.

A depiction of a protruding lower jaw caused by an undergrown upper jaw
Skeleton
A visual of upper front teeth resting behind the lower due to misaligned teeth
Dental

Ready to schedule your orthodontic care? Call us or request an appointment today.

Call us: 925-934-3583

How do my facial bones affect my oral health?

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 Dental Protrusion — teeth: This malocclusion may require the removal of teeth.
Animation of class 1 maxillary-mandibular dental retrusion
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 2 maxillary dental protrusion
Maxillary Dental Protrusion — teeth: These Class malocclusions are more difficult to treat due to the skeletal disharmony and may require orthognathic surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
Animation of class 2 mandibular retrognathism
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.

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.