Classification of Partially Edentulous Arches

Classification of partially edentulous arches is vital to ensure effective communication between dental professionals and to discuss the most suitable treatment plan for patients. Partially edentulous arches have been classified according to several methods. The Kennedy classification proposed by Dr. E. Kennedy is the most widely accepted and used classification method due to its simplicity and ease of application, with nearly 65,000 possible combinations of partially edentulous arches. Although this system does not give information about the condition of the teeth and periodontal tissues, it allows easy visualization of the arches, differentiates between free-end and tooth-bounded partially edentulous arches, and gives a logical approach to design. Therefore, only Kennedy classification is described in this book. In addition, a classification system (Implant-Corrected Kennedy/ICK) for partially edentulous arches incorporating implants placed or to be placed for a removable partial denture (RPD) is described and used. It is proposed by Al-Johany SS. and Andres C. and based, with modifications, on the Kennedy classification system.