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Main 3 Classes of Occlusion Explained

Learn about the main classes of occlusion and their significance in dental alignment and bite function.

Ray Alde avatar
Written by Ray Alde
Updated over a year ago

Class I: Normal Occlusion - Teeth alignment without overjet, considered ideal.

Class II: Malocclusion - Deep overjet, lower teeth positioned behind upper.

Class III: Underbite - Lower teeth positioned behind upper teeth, forming an underbite.

Key Terms:

  • Occlusion: Alignment of upper and lower teeth when jaws are closed.

  • Occlusal: Relating to the biting surfaces of teeth.

  • Class: Classification system for dental alignment.

  • Bite: The way upper and lower teeth come together.

  • Mount: Positioning of dental models or casts for examination or treatment planning.

Class I: Normal Occlusion

Considered ideal, teeth align properly without overjet or significant misalignment.

Class II: Malocclusion

Characterized by a deep overjet, where the lower teeth are positioned behind the upper teeth, often leading to issues with bite function and aesthetics.

Class III: Underbite

In this type of malocclusion, the lower teeth are positioned further forward than the upper teeth, resulting in an underbite appearance.

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