TREATMENTS | Classification of the 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.

A normal bite
(stripe indicates alignment of molars)

Class I - Normal bite


Class I - Normal




Class I- Crowding


Class I - Crowding


Class I - Spacing




Class I - 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.




Class II - Division 1


Class II - Division 1




Class II - Division


Class II - Division




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.






Class III - Functional or Dental


Class III - Functional or Dental




Class III - Skeletal


Class III - Skeletal








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