Angle developed a simple classification of dental occlusion in 1890. Dental occlusion refers to the relationship between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Malocclusion indicates that the relationship has deviated from normal.
The classification is based on the relationship between the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar and the mandibular teeth.
Classification
Relationship of the Mesiobuccal Cusp of the Maxillary First Molar
Class I Normal Occlusion (neutroclusion)
matches the mesiobuccal groove of mandibular first molar (about the middle of the mandibular first molar)
Class II Malocclusion
the mandibular first molar is posterior to the maxillary first molar; the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar overlies the space between the second premolar and the first molar
Class III Malocclusion
the mandibular first molar is anterior to the maxillary first molar ; the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar overlies the space between the first and second molar
Classification
Relationship of the Incisors
Class I Normal Occlusion
the edge of the lower incisor occludes with or immediately below the lingual surface of the upper incisor
Class II Malocclusion, Division 1
the edge of the lower incisor is posterior to the upper incisor; the upper incisor is proclined outwards or vertical, so that a definite overjet is present
Class II Malocclusion, Division 2
the edge of the lower incisor is posterior to the upper incisor; the upper incisor is retroclined inwards with either no or a limited overjet
Class III Malocclusion
the edge of the lower incisor is anterior to the upper incisor
Limitation:
• The classification assumes that the teeth are correctly positioned in the dental arches.
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