Classification of Malocclusion

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Questions and Answers

What is malocclusion?

The lack of a normal relationship between maxillary and mandibular teeth when the jaws are brought together.

Identifying that an individual has a malocclusion always means that their occlusion is non-physiologic or that treatment is necessary.

False

What is the importance of classifying occlusion?

It provides a concept of normal occlusion to define malocclusion, utilizes different criteria, provides a reference system, offers a mechanism for diagnosis, monitoring progress and assessing outcomes, and gives dental care providers a way to communicate.

What are the causes of malocclusion?

Dental Signup and view all the answers

Define primate space and its location.

A naturally occurring spacing between the teeth of the primary dentition; in the maxillary arch, it is located between the lateral incisors and canines, and in the mandibular arch between the canines and first molars. Signup and view all the answers

What is Leeway space?

Leeway space is the size difference between the primary posterior teeth and the permanent canine and first and second premolars. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Class I molar relationship signify?

Normal occlusion Signup and view all the answers

What does a Class II molar relationship indicate?

Lower molar distally positioned Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of flush terminal plane molar relationship in primary dentition?

Class I Signup and view all the answers

What does a mesial step molar relationship indicate in future permanent dentition?

Class I Signup and view all the answers

What does a distal step molar relationship indicate in future permanent dentition?

Class II Signup and view all the answers

What are dental causes of malocclusion?

Delayed or ectopic eruption, supernumerary teeth, spacing/crowding, missing teeth, anterior/posterior crossbite, bi-max protrusion. Signup and view all the answers

What are skeletal causes of malocclusion?

Vertical maxillary excess, anterior/posterior crossbite, bi-max protrusion, high angle/short ramus, some open bites, asymmetries. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main causes of crowding in teeth?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What does a 100% overbite indicate?

Mandibular anteriors are not visible Signup and view all the answers

In normal occlusion, the maxillary canines should ideally fit in the embrasures between the mandibular canines and first premolars.

True Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a Class I angle?

Normal skeletal growth pattern Signup and view all the answers

Match the classification of malocclusion to its description:

Class I = Normal skeletal growth pattern Class II = Downward skeletal growth pattern Class III = Forward skeletal growth pattern Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal overjet range?

2-3 mm Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal overbite range?

1-2 mm Signup and view all the answers

Define open bite.

No vertical overlap between incisors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Malocclusion Overview

Malocclusion refers to the abnormal relationship between maxillary and mandibular teeth upon closure, indicating improper tooth alignment.
Identifying malocclusion does not inherently require treatment, as not all malocclusions are physiologically significant.

Importance of Classifying Occlusion

Classification aids in defining malocclusion by establishing a normal occlusion benchmark.
Offers various criteria for diagnosis and progress monitoring, enhancing communication among dental professionals.

Causes of Malocclusion

Can be attributed to skeletal, dental, or a combination of both factors.

Primate and Leeway Spaces

Primate Space: Natural spacing in primary dentition; located between lateral incisors and canines in the maxilla, and canines and first molars in the mandible.
Leeway Space: Size difference between primary posterior teeth and their permanent successors, usually wider for primary teeth.

Class Molar Relationships

Class I: Normal molar relationship, but teeth may be crowded.
Class II: Molar distally positioned; often increases overjet.
Class III: Molar mesially positioned, indicating mandibular growth excess.

Flush Terminal Plane

Results in Class I when primate space is present; Class II when absent.
Can switch to Class I with late mesial shift, utilizing leeway space.

Mesial and Distal Step Relationships

Mesial Step: Typically leads to Class I, may suggest growth irregularities.
Distal Step: Often results in Class II.

Angle's Classification of Occlusion

Provides a systematic approach to diagnose and plan treatment based on the alignment of the first permanent molar.
Has been expanded to include dental and skeletal relationships, influencing growth patterns.

Normal Occlusion Characteristics

Defined by Class I molar relationship; teeth should align in a linear occlusion.
Maxillary first molars serve as a key stability reference.

Overjet and Overbite

Overjet: The horizontal distance between maxillary and mandibular incisors.
Overbite: The vertical overlap of incisors.

Causes of Crowding

Results from large teeth, excess teeth, small jaws, or premature tooth loss, amongst other factors.

Treatment Implications

Understanding the implications of specific classifications can assist in identifying potential treatment strategies to address malocclusions.
Facial growth patterns correlate with Angle's classifications, influencing prospective orthodontic approaches.

Occlusal Relationships and Contacts

Premolars and molars have specific contact points critical for classification accuracy.
Anterior teeth typically have lighter contact forces owing to their design.

Crossbite and Open Bite Conditions

Anterior Cross-bite: Mandibular incisors positioned in front of maxillary incisors.
Open Bite: Lack of vertical overlap between incisors, indicating significant alignment issues.

Facial Profiles and Growth Patterns

Class I: Mesiognathic profile, normally shaped face.
Class II: Retrognathic profile with dental prominence due to jaw alignment.
Class III: Prognathic profile, where the mandible appears excessively prominent.

Clinical Evaluation Techniques

Assess occlusal relationships through dental casts and occlusal photographs to facilitate understanding and treatment planning.
The mid-sagittal plane is used to evaluate transverse asymmetry.

Variations in Classifications

Classifications might vary as some patients may have unique skeletal arrangements or occlusal patterns that do not fit neatly into standard definitions.

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Test your knowledge on the classification of malocclusion with these informative flashcards. Dive into definitions and important concepts that determine the relationship between maxillary and mandibular teeth. Perfect for dental students and professionals looking to reinforce their understanding.

Classification of Malocclusion - Flashcards

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