Sagittal level (lateral)
Although in a synthetic and simplified way, it is worth remembering the characteristics of malcolmus.
This will provide content however in speaking about prevention in subsequent pages.
We will see a subset of malocclusions based on dental relationships and bone seen on the sagittal or lateral levels.
First Class Malocclusions
The upper dental gum and the lower dental gum express a sagittal relationship, that is, on the profile level, harmonic.
The upper gum "protrudes" from the bottom for about 2 mm.
In this condition, it is possible to develop a purely dental malodoration with one or more misaligned teeth, often an expression of dental crowding. Even small teeth ("micrognathy") with opening of excess spaces can create first class malocclusions.
Second Class Malocclusions
The upper gum, the expression of the teeth, but also the upper jaw, is too protruding in comparison to the lower gum, for 4 or more mm. These patients are at greater risk for trauma for upper incisors and should be treated orthodontically at appropriate times of skeletal growth.
Third class malocclusions
The lower gum, the expression of the jaw, is too protruding from the upper gum, in a head-to-head position or even surpassing the upper gum.
In common language, it often seems to define this type of malocclusion "inversed chewing" or "chewing in reverse".
Third class malocclusions require the highest timely intervention and are those with a more reserved prognosis.
