Kennedy Classification for Partially Edentulous Arches
Posted on 11/16/2011
Following our discussion of major connectors for both the maxillary and mandibular arches, it is appropriate that we expand on some terminology used but not adequately defined in previous blogs. Specifically, the Kennedy Classification for Partially Edentulous Arches needs to be properly outlined before proceeding to discuss retainers and retention.
The Kennedy Classification system was originally introduced by Dr. Edward Kennedy in 1923 in New York. The classification is divided into four partially edentulous arch designs:
Class I - Bilateral distal edentulous area located posterior to the existing teeth
Class II - Unilateral distal edentulous area located posterior to existing teeth
Class III - Unilateral edentulous area with remaining teeth mesial and distal to the edentulous area.
Class IV - Bilateral (i.e. crossing the midline) anterior edentulous area with remaining teeth distal to edentulous area.
These classifications have been further sub-divided, but the general classification is still the broadest and most commonly used.
The Kennedy Classification system was originally introduced by Dr. Edward Kennedy in 1923 in New York. The classification is divided into four partially edentulous arch designs:
Class I - Bilateral distal edentulous area located posterior to the existing teeth
Class II - Unilateral distal edentulous area located posterior to existing teeth
Class III - Unilateral edentulous area with remaining teeth mesial and distal to the edentulous area.
Class IV - Bilateral (i.e. crossing the midline) anterior edentulous area with remaining teeth distal to edentulous area.
These classifications have been further sub-divided, but the general classification is still the broadest and most commonly used.