Teeth Classifications

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There are 3 main classifications of teeth and bites. Montoya Orthodontics has provided this page of information to help you understand the position of your teeth and the condition of your bite. For more information, and to make your appointment with our experienced orthodontist in Keller, Texas, Dr. Robert Montoya, please contact our office at 817-427-2237.

Class I

Class I describes teeth that have a normal relationship between the upper and lower teeth and jaws, or a balanced bite.  Patients with this teeth classification may experience minor crowding or spacing issues.

There are 3 main classifications of teeth and bites. Montoya Orthodontics has provided this page of information to help you understand the position of your teeth and the condition of your bite. For more information, and to make your appointment with our experienced orthodontist in Keller, Texas, Dr. Robert Montoya, please contact our office at 817-427-2237.

Class I

Class I describes teeth that have a normal relationship between the upper and lower teeth and jaws, or a balanced bite.  Patients with this teeth classification may experience minor crowding or spacing issues.

Class II

Class II bites describe teeth where the lower first molar is positioned further towards the back of the mouth than the upper first molar.  This causes the upper front teeth and jaws to project further forward than the lower teeth and jaws (overbites).  Class II orthodontic problems can occur due to insufficient growth in the lower jaw, over-growth of the upper jaw, or a combination of the two conditions.  Many Class II problems are genetically inherited, and can be aggravated by poor oral habits such as finger sucking.

Class III

Class III malocclusions occur when the lower first molar is positioned closer to the front of the mouth than the upper first molar.  This causes an underbite, or a condition in which the lower teeth and jaws project further forward than the upper teeth and jaws.  They can be caused by undergrowth in the upper jaw, over-growth in the lower jaw, or can be genetically inherited.  Treatments for these types of bites may require surgical correction.

Types of Malocclusions

There are several types of bad bites that can occur as a result of Class II or III problems.  These include:

• Overbites (or Overjets) – in which the upper front teeth protrude
• Deep bites – in which the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much
• Underbites – in which the lower front teeth protrude
• Open bites – in which the back teeth come together and leave space between the front teeth
• Crowding – in which the upper and/or lower teeth are crowded closely together
• Excess spacing – in which there is too much space between the teeth
• Mid-line misalignment – in which the midlines of the upper and lower arches do not line up
• Crossbites – in which the upper back teeth fit inside the lower teeth

For more information on malocclusions and teeth classifications, and to make your appointment with our orthodontist, please contact our office today.

Class II

Class II bites describe teeth where the lower first molar is positioned further towards the back of the mouth than the upper first molar.  This causes the upper front teeth and jaws to project further forward than the lower teeth and jaws (overbites).  Class II orthodontic problems can occur due to insufficient growth in the lower jaw, over-growth of the upper jaw, or a combination of the two conditions.  Many Class II problems are genetically inherited, and can be aggravated by poor oral habits such as finger sucking.

Class III

Class III malocclusions occur when the lower first molar is positioned closer to the front of the mouth than the upper first molar.  This causes an underbite, or a condition in which the lower teeth and jaws project further forward than the upper teeth and jaws.  They can be caused by undergrowth in the upper jaw, over-growth in the lower jaw, or can be genetically inherited.  Treatments for these types of bites may require surgical correction.

Types of Malocclusions

There are several types of bad bites that can occur as a result of Class II or III problems.  These include:

• Overbites (or Overjets) – in which the upper front teeth protrude
• Deep bites – in which the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much
• Underbites – in which the lower front teeth protrude
• Open bites – in which the back teeth come together and leave space between the front teeth
• Crowding – in which the upper and/or lower teeth are crowded closely together
• Excess spacing – in which there is too much space between the teeth
• Mid-line misalignment – in which the midlines of the upper and lower arches do not line up
• Crossbites – in which the upper back teeth fit inside the lower teeth

For more information on malocclusions and teeth classifications, and to make your appointment with our orthodontist, please contact our office today.