Angles Class 3 Malocclusion

Angles Class 3 Malocclusion

Define Angle’s class 3 malocclusion. Differentiate between true and pseudo class 3 and write in detail the clinical features of class 3.
Or
Write difference between true and pseudo class 3.
Or
Differentiate between briefly true and pseudo class 3 malocclusion
Or
Write about clinical features of Angle’s Class 3 malocclusion.
Answer. It is defied as “a class 3 molar relationship refers to a condition where the mesiobuccal cusp of upper fist permanent molar occludes between the mandibular first and second molars”.

Difference Between True and Pseudo Class 3 Malocclusion

“Understanding the role of Angle’s Class 3 malocclusion in orthodontics”

Clinical Features/Clinical Picture of Class 3 Malocclusion

Following are the clinical features of class 3 malocclusion

Occlusal Features

• Molar relation is class 3, i.e. mesiobuccal cusp of upper first permanent molar occludes between the mandibular first and second molars.
• Canine relation is class 3, i.e. maxillary canine occludes in between mandibular fist and second premolars.
• Incisor relationship is class 3 with reverse overjet.
• Due to transverse relationship of arches posterior crossbite is seen.
• Maxillary arch is frequently narrow while the mandibular arch is broad. Posterior crossbite is a common feature.
• Maxillary teeth are crowded as arch is narrow and short in some cases.
• As chin is prominent, patient has concave profie.
• Vertical growers exhibit increased inter-maxillary height and may have an anterior open bite. In some patients deep overbite can be seen.

“Importance of studying Angle’s Class 3 malocclusion for better treatment outcomes”

Skeletal Features

• Maxilla is retrognathic.
• Mandible is prognathic.
• Combination of prognathic mandible and retrognathic maxilla is seen.
• Incisor, canine and molar relations are class 3
• Mentolabial sulcus is shallow.
• Chin is prominent.
• Lower facial height is increased.

“Common challenges in diagnosing and managing Angle’s Class 3 malocclusion”

Soft Tissue Features

• Facial profile is concave.
• Anterior facial divergence is present.
• Lips are incompetent.
• Short upper lip
• Tongue is anteriorly placed.

“Steps to identify common causes of Angle’s Class 3 malocclusion”

Functional Features

• Mandible is displaced forwardly.
• As there is unilateral crossbite, lateral mandibular displacement is present.
• In pseudo Class 3, patients have skeletal class 1 pattern, this abnormality is due to tilting of teeth and due to forward path of closure.

“Role of genetics in causing Angle’s Class 3 malocclusion”

Growth

• Unfavorable facial growth is seen in Class 3 cases
• Tendency to open bite increases with vertical facial growth.
• Excessive horizontal growth gets worse with reverse overjet.