Classification

A basic requirement for effective communication of medical/dental conditions is a concise, accurate,

and universal classification system. The Six Elements Orthodontic Philosophy utilizes a new, positionallycorrect, three-dimensional classification system for arches and jaws based upon the Six Elements
treatment goals.

Arch Classification
An arch diagnosed relative to Element I reveals the Interim Core Discrepancy (ICD). The ICD is the
sum of the patients pre-treatment Core Discrepancy and the effects of changing the pre-treatment arches
Core Line in all ways intended excluding its distal borders. The ICD indicates the mesio-distal tooth
movements needed to produce an optimal Element I arch.
The ICD can be a positive number, a negative number, or zero. A positive ICD indicates excess mesiodistal space in the arch and is classified as a Spaced condition. A negative ICD indicates a lack of
mesio-distal space in the arch and is classified as a Crowded condition. An ICD of zero indicates a
correct amount of available space in the arch and is classified as a Classic condition.

Jaw and Chin Classification

Jaw and chin positions are classified using a combination of colors (indicating direction) and numbers
(indicating amount). The colors used are red, black, and green. Red indicates too much of something
(excessive), black is not enough of something (insufficient), and green is the right amount (optimal).
A jaw or chin classified as red would be too far forward
(AP), too wide (BL), or too tall vertically (SI). A jaw or
chin classified as black would be too far back (AP), too
narrow (BL), or too short vertically (SI). Green indicates
that the jaw or chin position satisfies the goals for the
given Element. The logo shown to the right represents
a head and shows the range of jaw and chin positions
3-dimensionally.

2013 The Andrews Foundation All rights reserved.

Classification 1

A number follows the color designation to indicate how many millimeters the jaw or
chin position or size is in error relative to the Six Element goal for that area. The color
green would have no number following it.
A maxilla that was too far back by 4 mm (Element II) would be classified as Black 4.
This can be abbreviated to B4 and recorded in the appropriate area of the diagnostic
sheet under the optimal column labeled O.

maxilla
jaws

Element II

AP

Element III

BL

Element IV

SI

B4
P

mandible
O
C
AP

Element V

SI

Po

When jaw or chin positions are intentionally compromised due to treatment limitations
imposed by the patient or by certain circumstances they are reclassified relative to their
intended positions rather than to their optimal position. For example, if an adult patient
has AP a maxilla classified is classified as AP Black 4 mm (B4) but the patient decides not
to have orthognathic surgery to advance its position, it is reclassified as Green. A jaw
classified as Green indicates that no change in its position is intended. The letter G is
recorded in the compromise column labeled C for Element II maxilla.

maxilla
jaws
Element II

AP

Element III

BL

Element IV

SI

Element V

Classification 2

B4

mandible
O
C
AP

SI

Po

2013 The Andrews Foundation All rights reserved.