Angle Class II: what it is and how it affects the profile
Quick facts
- Definition
- Relationship between the dental arches in which the lower first molar sits further back than the upper one.
- Typical profile
- Convex, with an apparently recessed chin.
- Causes
- Small or retruded mandible, advanced maxilla, or a combination.
- Bone treatment
- Orthodontics and, in selected cases, orthognathic surgery.
Angle Class II is one of the occlusion classifications created by the orthodontist Edward Angle. In it, the lower first molar sits further back than it should relative to the upper one, and the lower arch tends to sit behind the upper arch. It is a common type of malocclusion.
How does it show in the face?
Class II is usually associated with a convex profile: the face seems to "slope" backward from the nose, with a poorly projected chin, sometimes with retrogenia or micrognathia. The upper lip may also be more prominent, with difficulty sealing the lips. The origin varies: a small or retruded mandible, an advanced maxilla, or a combination of the two.
The facial convexity angle helps describe this profile, but it is the orthodontist's assessment that defines the class.
What can and cannot HOF do?
| Goal | Role of HOF |
|---|---|
| Correct the bite | None: it is a matter for orthodontics or surgery |
| Correct the bone | None: dermal filler does not change bone |
| Improve the apparent projection of the chin | Can be discussed, as soft tissue camouflage |
| Harmonize lips and chin in profile | Joint planning, without promising correction |
How do you talk to the patient?
Explain the difference between what is bone and what is soft tissue. For patients who want aesthetic improvement and do not want or cannot have orthodontic treatment, chin filler can be a camouflage option, with clear limits.
In Harmy
Harmy projects the Chin point only on the front photo and does not represent the profile. Chin projection in Class II can only be assessed in profile, during the in-person assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Angle Class II?
It is a bite classification in which the lower arch sits further back relative to the upper one. In the face, it is usually associated with a convex profile and a small chin.
Does chin filler correct Class II?
It does not correct the bite or the bone. It can improve how the chin looks in profile, at the professional's discretion after an assessment, and the patient should know what this is and what it is not.