Orthodontic problems can’t be classified by the teeth alone. We also have to consider how the teeth relate to the surrounding facial and jaw structures.
Class 1
Maxillary-Mandibular Dental Protrusion (Teeth)
A dental malocclusion that may call for removing teeth to correct.
Maxillary-Mandibular Dental Retrusion (Teeth)
A dental malocclusion that can often be treated with expansion rather than removing teeth.
Class 2
Maxillary Dental Protrusion (Teeth)
A dental malocclusion that may require removing teeth to correct.
Mandibular Retrognathism (Jaws)
The lower jaw hasn’t grown as much as the upper jaw. This Class II malocclusion shows why early growth guidance matters.
Maxillary Dental Protrusion and Mandibular Retrognathism (Teeth & Jaws)
These cases are harder to treat because of the skeletal imbalance and may need orthognathic surgery alongside orthodontic treatment.
Class 3
Mandibular Dental Protrusion (Teeth)
The lower teeth sit too far in front of the upper teeth. Treatment may require extractions because of the dental protrusion.
Mandibular Prognathism (Jaws)
The lower jaw has outgrown the upper jaw. Because of the skeletal imbalance, this can be harder to treat and may need orthognathic surgery along with orthodontics.