Understanding Ackerman-Proffit Classification For Dental Students

Understanding Ackerman-Proffit Classification For Dental Students

Write short note on Ackerman­Proffit classification of malocclusion.
Or
Briefly describe Ackerman­Proffit classification.
Answer. Ackerman and Proffit proposed this classification in 1960 to overcome the limitations of the Angle’s classification.

Ackerman­Proffit Classifiation

Group 1 (Alignment)

The fist step involves assessment of the alignment and symmetry of the dental arch. It is classified as ideal crowded/ spaced.

Group 2 (Profie)

It involves the consideration of the profile. The profile is described as convex/straight/concave. The facial divergence is considered, i.e. anterior or posterior divergence.

Group 3 (Type)

The transverse skeletal and dental relationship is evaluated. Buccal and palatal crossbites, if any are noted. The cross bite is further classified as unilateral or bilateral. In addition, differentiation is made between skeletal and dental crossbite.

Group 4 (Class)

This involves the assessment of the sagittal relationship. It is classified as Angle’s Class I/Class II/Class III malocclusion. Differentiation is made between dental and skeletal malocclusion.

Group 5 (Bite Depth)

Malocclusions in vertical plane are noted. They are described as anterior or posterior open bite, anterior deep bite or posterior collapsed bite. A mention is made whether the malocclusion is skeletal or dental.

Advantages

• Complexities of malocclusion are explained.
• In addition to the anteroposterior malrelations, transverse as well as vertical discrepancies are taken in consideration i.e. all of the three planes should be considered.
• Profie of the patient should be given due consideration.
• It is easy to make diffrentiation between the skeletal and dental problems.
• It helps in formulating complete diagnosis and differential treatment planning.
• It is always readily acceptable for computer processing.

Disadvantages

• This classification should not consider the etiological aspects
• The classification is based only on the static occlusion while functional occlusion should not being considered.