Last Updated on October 15, 2023 by
Orthodontic treatment is a dentistry specialty that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting wrongly placed teeth and jaws. It is also designed to address misaligned bite patterns. You could also rely on it to modify facial deformities. Yet, there are three main classifications of orthodontic treatment: class I, II, and III. Each class addresses specific orthodontic issues. Here is a breakdown of what each of them stands for.
Class I Malocclusion
This class reflects a normal relationship between the jaws and the teeth. In this case, the lower teeth, upper teeth, and jaws are balanced enough to make a perfect bite. However, while the molar teeth could be adequately aligned, other teeth might not be in their natural position.
A patient could experience various teeth anomalies under this classification. For instance, one could expect overcrowded or overlapping teeth. There might also be gaps between the teeth, asymmetry, and open bites. At the same time, there are five classifications under class I orthodontic treatment. These classes include overlapping anterior teeth, vertical problems, anterior cross-bite, and posterior cross-bite for the teeth posterior to the canines and premolars.
Handling class I orthodontic issues is relatively more straightforward. In this instance, braces will be enough to correct most problems. The corrective period will also be significantly shorter than in other classes.
Class II Maloclussion
Class II malocclusion presents various inter-arch problems, meaning that you’ll suffer various bite-related anomalies. It comes in two versions: class I and class II divisions. Class I division highlights the upper teeth tipped forward and significantly stuck out in front of the lower teeth. This problem could also come alongside teeth crowding, requiring the removal of some. The extent of the problem will always vary, meaning that you might need gear, extraction, or surgery, depending on how significant the issue is.
Class II division highlights protruded upper teeth. However, unlike in Division I, the teeth protrude backward. In this case, the overjet could be way too different. Yet, you get a deep bite from the overbite.
Class II malocclusion treatments will vary with the extent of the problem. For instance, braces will suffice if the problem is manageable. However, in extreme cases, surgery will be inevitable. An orthodontist Arvada CO-based will help determine the proper treatment.
Class III Malocclussion
Class III malocclusion is significantly rare. Yet, it happens. This orthodontic problem highlights the lower teeth and jaw that are more projected than the upper ones. It comes with a concave shape and a prominent chin.
The leading cause of class III malocclusion is the overgrowth of the lower jaw. The undergrowth of the upper jaw or a combination of the two could also suffice.In this class, you’ll experience either a mandibular dental protrusion or mandibular prognathism. In the first instance, the lower teeth are significantly far in front of the upper ones. Contrarily, mandibular prognathism means that the lower jaw has outgrown the upper one.
In conclusion, orthodontic problems have three classifications, each presenting different issues. With the insights above, it is much easier to understand people’s issues.
Read More: The Benefits of Having Straight Teeth
