Malocclusion is a dental condition where the teeth are misaligned or the bite is incorrect (how the upper and lower teeth fit together). While mild malocclusion may not cause issues, moderate to severe cases can lead to functional and aesthetic problems.
🦷 What Is Malocclusion?
It literally means “bad bite.” It can involve:
- Crowding or spacing of teeth
- Misalignment of jaws
- Irregular contact between upper and lower teeth
🔍 Types of Malocclusion
1. Class I (Normal bite with slight irregularities)
- Bite is normal, but teeth may be crowded or spaced
2. Class II (Overbite / Retrognathism)
- Upper teeth/jaw protrude over the lower
- Often called “buck teeth“
3. Class III (Underbite / Prognathism)
- Lower teeth/jaw protrude past upper
- Often called a “bulldog bite“
📌 Other Common Issues in Malocclusion
- Open bite: Front teeth do not touch when back teeth do
- Crossbite: One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
- Deep bite: Upper front teeth cover too much of the lower teeth
- Crowding: Not enough space for all teeth to fit normally
- Spacing: Gaps between teeth (e.g., diastema)
🤕 Symptoms
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Speech difficulties (e.g., lisping)
- Jaw pain or clicking (TMJ issues)
- Mouth breathing
- Frequent cheek or tongue biting
- Misaligned facial appearance (in severe cases)
🧬 Causes
- Genetics (most common cause)
- Thumb sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrusting (beyond age 4)
- Early loss of baby teeth or adult teeth
- Injuries to the jaw or face
- Improper dental restorations (e.g., poorly done crowns or fillings)
🛠️ Treatment Options
- Braces or clear aligners (Invisalign)
- Tooth removal (in case of severe crowding)
- Retainers (to maintain alignment after treatment)
- Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) — for severe skeletal malocclusion
- Palatal expanders — especially in growing children
🛡️ Why Treat Malocclusion?
- Improves oral function (chewing, speaking)
- Prevents tooth wear and jaw strain
- Enhances aesthetics and confidence
- Reduces risk of gum disease and tooth decay (by improving cleanability)