3

Classification of partially edentulous arches

Requirements of an Acceptable Method
of Classification
Kennedy Classification
AppleBate's rules Jor applyjn8 the Kennedy
classification
Self-Assessment Aids

t has been estimated that there are over 65,000
I possible combinations of teeth and edentu
lous spaces in opposing arches. It would be helpful to
classify partially edentulous arches that share
common attributes, characteristics, qualities, or traits.
Obviously, no single method of classification can be
descriptive of any except the most basic types.
Several methods of classification of partially
edentulous arches have been proposed and are in use.
This variety
has led to some confusion and disagreement
concerning which method should be adopted and
which method best classifies all possible
configurations.
Although classifications are actually descriptive of
the partially edentulous arches, the removable partial
denture restoring a particular class of arch is
described as a denture of that class. For example, we
speak of a Class III or Class I removable partial
denture. It is simpler to say /fa Class II partial
denture" than it is to say aa partial denture restoring a
Class II partially edentulous arch."
The most familiar classifications are those
originally proposed by Kennedy, Cummer, and
Bailyn. Classifications have also been proposed by
Beckett, Godfrey, Swenson, Friedman,
Wilson, Skinner, Applegate, Avant, Miller, and others. It
is evident that an attempt should be made to combine the
best features of all classifications so that a universal
classification can be adopted.
The Kennedy method of classification is probably the
most widely accepted classification of partially
edentulous arches today. In an attempt to simplify the
problem and encourage more universal use of a
classification and in the interest of adequate
communication, the Kennedy classification will be used
in this textbook. The student can refer to the Selected
Reading Resources section for information relative to
other classifications.
REQUIREMENTS OF AN
ACCEPTABLE METHOD OF
CLASSIFICATION
The classification of a partially edentulous arch should
satisfy the following requirements:
1. It should permit immediate visualization of
the type of partially edentulous arch that is being
considered.

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22 McCracken's removable partial prosthodontics

A B

c D

E F

G H

Fig.3-2 Kennedy classification with examples of modifications. A, Class I. B, Class II. C, Class III.
D, Class IV. E, Class I, modification 1. F, Class II, modification 2. G, Class III, modification 1. H,
Class III, modification 2.
 Chapter
3
Fig. 3-3 Nine partially edentulous arch configurations.
Class II partial denture rightly falls between the Class
I and the Class III because it embodies design
features common to both. In keeping with the
principle that design is based on the classification, the
application of such principles of design is simplified
by retaining the original classification of Kennedy.
SELF-ASSESSMENT AIDS
1. Would you agree that the primary purpose of
a classification is to enhance communication
among dentists? Support your answer.
2. Many classification systems have been proposed;
however, the most widely accepted system in the
United States is the one
proposed by in 1925.
Classification of partially edentulous arches 23
3. A classification of partially edentulous arches should
satisfy at least three requirements. List them.
4. Kennedy divided all partially edentulous
arches into main types.
5. What is meant by a modification space? 6. Which two
classes of partially edentulous
arches have the greatest incidence of occur
rence according to Skinner?
7. Dr. a.c. Applegate contributed greatly to the
application of the original Kennedy classifica
tion system. What was this contribution?
8. Classify the partially edentulous arches illus trated in
Fig. 3-3.