Dental Terminology and Angle's Classification

Key Terms

• Mandible: Lower jawbone.
• Teeth Orientation:
  • Mesial: Part of the tooth towards the midline or anterior (front).
  • Distal: Part of the tooth posterior or away from the midline.
  • Buccal: Surface of the tooth facing the cheek.
  • Lingual: Surface of the tooth towards the tongue.
  • Occlusal: Surface of the teeth that contacts with the maxillary teeth.

Angle's Classification of Occlusion

• Developed by Edward Angle: A system to classify the alignment of teeth and occlusion.

Class I Occlusion (Normal)

• Description: The mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar aligns with the mesiobuccal groove of the mandibular first molar.
• Impression: Visualize as a two-dimensional image through the cheek.

Class II Occlusion

• Description:
  • The mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar is positioned mesial to the mandibular first molar.
  • Often results in a protrusion of the maxilla (upper jaw) and retrusion of the mandible (lower jaw).
• Alternative Name: Retrognathia

Class III Occlusion

• Description:
  • The mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar is distal to the mandibular first molar's mesial groove.
  • Characterized by a prognathic mandible (forward position) and retruded maxilla.
• Alternative Name: Prognathism

Summary

• Angle's Classification is crucial for understanding dental occlusion and alignment.
• The classification focuses on the relationship of the molars, particularly the first molars of the maxilla and mandible.
• Understanding these classifications helps in diagnosing and treating dental alignment issues.