According to Wikipedia, a malocclusion "is a misalignment orincorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches whenthey approach each other as the jaws close."
Malocclusion means the teeth do not come together correctly when one bites. Common malocclusions include prognathic when the lower jaw sticks out too far, retronathic when the… lower jaw is too far back in relation to the upper jaw, and cross bite when the lower teeth rest outside the upper teeth on one side or the other. Many malocclusions can be corrected with orthodontic (braces) treatment. Others can require surgery, or a combination of surgery and orthodontic treatment. ( Full Answer )
Inherited conditions include too many or too few teeth, too much or too little space between teeth, irregular mouth and jaw size and shape, and atypical formations of the jaws… and face, such as a cleft palate. ( Full Answer )
Malocclusion may be remedied by orthodontic treatment; orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that manages the growth and correction of dental and facial structures.
In severe cases of malocclusion, surgery may be necessary and the patient would be referred to yet another specialist, an oral or maxillofacial surgeon.