Classification of the Face

TREATMENTS | Classification of the 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: Maxillary-Mandibular Dental Protrusion — teeth: This is an example of a dental malocclusion that may require the removal of teeth for correction.

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

Class I

Maxillary-Mandibular Dental Protrusion - teeth

This is an example of a dental malocclusion that may require the removal of teeth for correction.

Maxillary-Mandibular Dental Retrusion - teeth

This is an example of a dental malocclusion that may be treated with expansion rather than removing teeth.

Class II: Maxillary Dental Protrusion — teeth: This malocclusion may require the removal of teeth.
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.

Maxillary Dental Protrusion — teeth
Mandibular Retrognathism — jaws
These Class malocclusions are more difficult to treat due to the skeletal disharmony and may require jaw surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.

Class II

Maxillary Dental Protrusion - teeth

This malocclusion may require the removal of teeth.

Mandibular Retrognathism - jaws

The lower jaw bone has not grown as much as the upper jaw. This example of a Class II malocclusion demonstrates the need for early growth guidance.

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 III: 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.

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 jaw surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.

Class III

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.

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.

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Dr. Hanson is a board certified orthodontist located in Pittsfield, MA.