Kennedy Classification of Partial Dentures

Kennedy Classification

The Kennedy Classification is a system used to categorize partial dentures based on the type and location of the edentulous area (area without teeth). It was developed by Dr. Edward Kennedy in 1925.

Classes

There are four classes in the Kennedy Classification system:

1. Class I: Bilateral edentulous areas located posteriorly (towards the back of the mouth)
   • Example: A patient is missing teeth on both sides of the upper or lower arch, but still has teeth in the front of the mouth.
2. Class II: Unilateral edentulous area located posteriorly
   • Example: A patient is missing teeth on one side of the upper or lower arch, but still has teeth on the other side and in the front of the mouth.
3. Class III: Unilateral edentulous area located anteriorly (towards the front of the mouth)
   • Example: A patient is missing teeth on one side of the upper or lower arch, but still has teeth on the other side and in the back of the mouth.
4. Class IV: Single but bilateral (on both sides) edentulous area located anteriorly
   • Example: A patient is missing teeth on both sides of the upper or lower arch, but only in the front of the mouth.

Modifications

The Kennedy Classification system also includes modifications, which are used to describe additional edentulous areas:

• Modification 1: Additional edentulous area(s) posterior to the main edentulous area
• Modification 2: Additional edentulous area(s) anterior to the main edentulous area

Understanding the Kennedy Classification system is essential for dentists and dental technicians to design and fabricate partial dentures that meet the patient's needs.

Kennedy Classification

• The Kennedy Classification is a system used to categorize partial dentures based on the type and location of the edentulous area.

Classes

• There are four classes in the Kennedy Classification system:
• Class I: Bilateral edentulous areas located posteriorly, meaning a patient is missing teeth on both sides of the upper or lower arch, but still has teeth in the front of the mouth.
• Class II: Unilateral edentulous area located posteriorly, meaning a patient is missing teeth on one side of the upper or lower arch, but still has teeth on the other side and in the front of the mouth.
• Class III: Unilateral edentulous area located anteriorly, meaning a patient is missing teeth on one side of the upper or lower arch, but still has teeth on the other side and in the back of the mouth.
• Class IV: Single but bilateral edentulous area located anteriorly, meaning a patient is missing teeth on both sides of the upper or lower arch, but only in the front of the mouth.

Modifications

• The Kennedy Classification system includes modifications to describe additional edentulous areas:
• Modification 1: Additional edentulous area(s) posterior to the main edentulous area.
• Modification 2: Additional edentulous area(s) anterior to the main edentulous area.

Importance

• Understanding the Kennedy Classification system is crucial for dentists and dental technicians to design and fabricate partial dentures that meet the patient's needs.