American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Resource to Master Your Orthodontics Certification!

The ideal dental relationship in orthodontic treatment is the Class I relationship. This refers to a condition where the first molar of the lower arch (mandible) is positioned in alignment with the first molar of the upper arch (maxilla), with the cusps interdigitating properly. In a Class I occlusion, the anterior teeth come together in a pleasing manner, and there is an overall balance and symmetry in the dental arches.

A Class I relationship is considered ideal because it allows for optimal function, esthetics, and stability of the occlusion in the long term. This arrangement minimizes the risk of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, creates adequate space for the tongue, and fosters proper dental alignment, which is essential in maintaining the health of the periodontium and maximizing the longevity of dental restorations.

In contrast, edge to edge occlusion, Class II division 1, and Class III relationships exhibit various degrees of dental misalignment, which can lead to functional issues and aesthetic concerns if not appropriately managed during orthodontic treatment. Hence, a Class I relationship serves as the benchmark against which other occlusal relationships are compared in orthodontics.