Classification of the Teeth


The classification of bites are broken up into three main categories: Class I, II, and III. Please refer to the sections below for more information.




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





Class I - Crowding





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


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 - Skeletal





Dr. Brad Woodford and Dr. Lawrence D. Woodford of Woodford Orthodontics specialize
in orthodontics. Our staff is a caring group of individuals dedicated to making you feel comfortable in our office while making every effort to ensure successful and effective
treatment. All members of the staff are highly qualified and extremely competent in
this specialized field. The offices are located in Sedona, Arizona and Cottonwood, Arizona.

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