The variety of defects in the maxillofacial area needs systematization, and there are many classifications that reflect the clinical presentation in the oral cavity of both children and adults.
In childhood, the combinations of symptoms by which it is possible to classify defects in the dentition are very diverse compared to adult patients. During the process of growth, the relationship between deciduous and permanent teeth changes, the growth of the jaws, the temporomandibular joint, and the entire body as a whole takes place.
To determine the need for prosthetics, L.D. Chuchmay (1967) proposed to classify the shape of the alveolar process and the location of the rudiments of permanent teeth in it like:
1) pointed;
2) medium round;
3) round.
Pointed and round shapes require prosthetic treatment.
V.P. Lepikhin and l.M. Demner (1985) proposed a clinical and morphological classification of dentition defects caused by premature removal of deciduous teeth. The authors distinguish three groups of defects, paying attention to the type of bite (milk, mixed, permanent), the location and extent of the defect, the presence of functional disorders.
In groups, there are two divisions that show the presence of defects on one or two sides.
Group 1 - includes defects of the dentition, formed as a result of premature removal of one deciduous tooth:
1) on one side of a jaw (unilateral);
2) on both sides of a jaw (bilateral).
Group 2 - includes defects of the dentition where there are two deciduous teeth located next to each other:
1) on one side of a jaw (unilateral);
2) on both sides of a jaw (bilateral).
Group 3 - defects of the dentition, when there are no two or more adjacent teeth:
1) on one side of a jaw (unilateral);