CLASSIFIcATION

A basic requirement for effective communication of medical/dental conditions is a concise, accurate, and universal classication system. The Six Elements Orthodontic Philosophy utilizes a new, positionallycorrect, three-dimensional classication 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 classied as a Spaced condition. A negative ICD indicates a lack of mesio-distal space in the arch and is classied as a Crowded condition. An ICD of zero indicates a correct amount of available space in the arch and is classied as a Classic condition.

JAW AND CHIN CLASSIFIcATION

Jaw and chin positions are classied 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 (insufcient), and green is the right amount (optimal). A jaw or chin classied as red would be too far forward (AP), too wide (BL), or too tall vertically (SI). A jaw or chin classied as black would be too far back (AP), too narrow (BL), or too short vertically (SI). Green indicates that the jaw or chin position satises 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 classied 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 Element III Element IV Element V AP BL SI
P A P A

O
B4

C
AP SI Po
P

MaNdible O C

When jaw or chin positions are intentionally compromised due to treatment limitations imposed by the patient or by certain circumstances they are reclassied relative to their intended positions rather than to their optimal position. For example, if an adult patient has AP a maxilla classied is classied as AP Black 4 mm (B4) but the patient decides not to have orthognathic surgery to advance its position, it is reclassied as Green. A jaw classied 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 Element III Element IV Element V AP BL SI
P A P A

O
B4

C
G AP SI Po
P

MaNdible O C

Classification 2

2013 The Andrews Foundation All rights reserved.