What is Malocclusion?

4. Classification

Once a doctor diagnoses malocclusion, he or she will seek to classify it according to its type and level of severity. Class 1 malocclusion is the most commonly diagnosed form. The upper teeth overlap the teeth of the lower jaw only slightly more than is normal. There may also be rotation or overcrowding of the teeth. Class 2 malocclusion shows up as a more severe overlap of the top teeth over the bottom teeth. This is also known as retrognathism or retrognathia. Class 3 malocclusion occurs when the bottom jaw sticks out, causing the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth. This is known as prognathism.

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