Ace Your Smile Game: 2025 Dental Assistant Practice Exam – Drill Into Success!

Angle's Classifications is a system used to categorize malocclusions based on the relationship between the upper and lower first molars and the canine teeth. There are three main classes in this classification system:

1. **Class I**: This class is characterized by normal molar relationships, where the first molar of the lower jaw is positioned slightly behind the upper first molar in a normal occlusion. Patients in this class may have crowding, spacing issues, or other problems, but the bite relationship is generally normal.

2. **Class II**: In this class, the lower first molar is positioned further back than the upper first molar. This is often referred to as retrognathism and can involve variations, such as division into Class II Division 1 and Division 2, depending on the inclination of the incisors.

3. **Class III**: This class occurs when the lower first molar is positioned ahead of the upper first molar, known as prognathism. This class is often associated with a prominent lower jaw and can also lead to functional issues or aesthetic concerns.

Understanding these classifications helps dental professionals diagnose and plan treatment for orthodontic issues.