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Malocclusion is when teeth in the lower and upper jaw are not aligned properly, causing uneven force when biting. There are three types: class I, class II (overbite), and class III (underbite). It can be hereditary, caused by injury or bad dental work, and may require orthodontic treatment. Children have a better prognosis than adults.
Malocclusion is a dental condition that occurs when the teeth in the lower and upper jaw are not aligned properly. Occlusion is a term that refers to how the lower teeth and upper teeth meet when a person bites. Ideally, a person’s upper teeth should rest slightly on their lower teeth. Malocclusion can unevenly distribute the force when a person bites. This can place considerable force on some teeth, which can result in one or more teeth breaking or loosening.
Dentists generally recognize three different categories, or classes, of this condition. The most common type is class I. Class I is a mild malocclusion in which the upper teeth are slightly extended over the lower teeth. A person with Class I still has a normal bite.
Class II malocclusion is also called overbite or retrognathism. The bite is abnormal because the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth significantly. Class III malocclusion is also called underbite or prognathism. In these cases, the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw, causing the teeth to overlap.
There are several ways a person could have a malocclusion. It is hereditary, which means it can run in families; it can also occur due to a serious facial injury, such as a jaw fracture. A tumor in the jaw or mouth can cause it, and a person may also have abnormally shaped teeth. It can also be caused by bad dental work, such as fillings, braces, or retainers that don’t fit properly. If a child sucks his thumb after the age of three or uses a bottle or pacifier for an extended time, this too can cause the condition.
A slight malocclusion may not cause noticeable symptoms. A person with more severe forms of the condition may experience discomfort when chewing their food. He may also be speaking to a lisp or having trouble speaking. The face may appear abnormal. He may also have difficulty breathing and may not be able to close his mouth while breathing.
Patients with this condition are often diagnosed during regular dental checkups. Dentists will ask the patient to bite down to check the alignment of the teeth. He might even do x-rays. If they suspect a problem, the dentist will usually refer the patient to an orthodontist.
An orthodontist specializes in correcting improper tooth alignment. Patients with class I malocclusion may not even require treatment. For more severe cases, the orthodontist may use an appliance such as braces to correct the alignment. If the patient has an overcrowded mouth, one or more teeth may need to be removed.
Correction of improper tooth alignment in adolescents or children usually has an excellent prognosis. Children’s teeth are generally easier to manipulate into the correct position. Adults may need to keep braces or retainers in place for extended periods of time.
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