Angle's Classification of Malocclusion: an Assessment of Reliability

Abstract

The reliability of Angle's system of classification of malocclusion has been examined. Between-examiner errors were found to be high and there were also high within-examiner error levels in categorizing Angle Class II division 2 malocclusions. It is concluded that comparisons of the distribution of malocclusions in different communities, classified according to Angle's system, should not be made unless observations are made in each community by the same examiner. The usefulness of Angle's classification to both clinician and epidemiologist is questioned.