Classification

The Need for Classification

There may be over 65,000 possible combinations of teeth and
edentulous spaces. A classification system facilitates
communication between dentists. Since there are several methods
of classifying partial dentures, the use of non-standard
classifications could lead to confusion. Therefore, the Kennedy
system has been adopted by most dentists.
Kennedy Classification
In 1923, Kennedy devised a system that became popular due to its
simplicity and ease of application. A tremendous number of
possible combinations can be reduced to four simple groups.
Class I - bilateral edentulous areas located posterior to all
remaining teeth.
Class III - unilateral edentulous area bounded by anterior
and
posterior natural teeth.
Class II - unilateral edentulous area located posterior to all
remaining teeth.
Class IV - a single, but bilateral
(crossing the midline) edentulous
area located anterior to
remaining teeth.