Malocclusion means the teeth are not aligned properly.
Alternative NamesCrowded teeth; Misaligned teeth; Crossbite; Overbite; Underbite; Open bite
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsOcclusion refers to the alignment of teeth and the way that the upper and lower teeth fit together (bite). Ideally, all upper teeth fit slightly over the lower teeth. The points of the molars fit the grooves of the opposite molar.
The upper teeth keep the cheeks and lips from being bitten and the lower teeth protect the tongue.
Malocclusion is most often hereditary, which means the condition is passed down through families. There may be a difference between the size of the upper and lower jaws or between jaw and tooth size, resulting in overcrowding of teeth or in abnormal bite patterns.
Variations in size or structure of either jaw may affect its shape, as can birth defects such as cleft lip and palate. Other causes of malocclusion include:
There are different categories of malocclusion.
Most problems with teeth alignment are discovered by a dentist during a routine exam. The dentist may pull your cheek outward and ask you to bite down to check how well your back teeth come together. If there is any problem, the dentist will usually refer you to an orthodontist for diagnosis and treatment.
Dental x-rays, head or skull x-rays, or facial x-rays may be required. Plaster or plastic molds of the teeth are often needed.
TreatmentVery few people have perfect teeth alignment. However, most problems are so minor that they do not require treatment.
Malocclusion is the most common reason for referral to an orthodontist.
By treating moderate or severe malocclusion, the teeth are easier to clean and there is less risk of tooth decay and periodontal diseases (gingivitis or periodontitis). Treatment eliminates strain on the teeth, jaws, and muscles, which lessens the risk of breaking a tooth and may reduce symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders.
The goal is to correct the positioning of the teeth. Braces or other appliances may be used. Metal bands are placed around some teeth, or metal, ceramic, or plastic bonds are attached to the surface of the teeth. Wires or springs apply force to the teeth.
One or more teeth may need to be removed if overcrowding is part of the problem. Rough or irregular teeth may be adjusted down, reshaped, and bonded or capped. Misshapen restorations and dental appliances should be repaired. Surgery may be required on rare occasions. This may include surgical reshaping to lengthen or shorten the jaw (orthognathic surgery). Wires, plates, or screws may be used to stabilize the jaw bone, in a similar manner to the surgical stabilization of jaw fracture.
It is important to brush and floss your teethevery day and have regular visits to a general dentist. Plaque accumulates on braces and may permanently mark teeth or cause tooth decay if not properly cared for.
Retainers (used to stabilize the teeth) may be required for an indefinite time to maintain the new position of the teeth.
Expectations (prognosis)Problems with teeth alignment are easier, quicker, and less expensive to treat when they are corrected early. Treatment is most successful in children and adolescents because their bone is still soft and teeth are moved more easily. Treatment may last 6 months to 2 or more years, depending on the severity of the case.
Treatment of orthodontic disorders in adults is often successful but may require longer use of braces or other devices.
ComplicationsCall your orthodontist if toothache, mouth pain, or other new symptoms develop during orthodontic treatment.
PreventionMany types of malocclusion are not preventable. Control of habits such as thumb sucking may be necessary in some cases. However, early detection and treatment may optimize the time and method of treatment needed.
Malocclusion means the teeth are not aligned properly.
Alternative NamesCrowded teeth; Misaligned teeth; Crossbite; Overbite; Underbite; Open bite
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsOcclusion refers to the alignment of teeth and the way that the upper and lower teeth fit together (bite). Ideally, all upper teeth fit slightly over the lower teeth. The points of the molars fit the grooves of the opposite molar.
The upper teeth keep the cheeks and lips from being bitten and the lower teeth protect the tongue.
Malocclusion is most often hereditary, which means the condition is passed down through families. There may be a difference between the size of the upper and lower jaws or between jaw and tooth size, resulting in overcrowding of teeth or in abnormal bite patterns.
Variations in size or structure of either jaw may affect its shape, as can birth defects such as cleft lip and palate. Other causes of malocclusion include:
There are different categories of malocclusion.
Most problems with teeth alignment are discovered by a dentist during a routine exam. The dentist may pull your cheek outward and ask you to bite down to check how well your back teeth come together. If there is any problem, the dentist will usually refer you to an orthodontist for diagnosis and treatment.
Dental x-rays, head or skull x-rays, or facial x-rays may be required. Plaster or plastic molds of the teeth are often needed.
TreatmentVery few people have perfect teeth alignment. However, most problems are so minor that they do not require treatment.
Malocclusion is the most common reason for referral to an orthodontist.
By treating moderate or severe malocclusion, the teeth are easier to clean and there is less risk of tooth decay and periodontal diseases (gingivitis or periodontitis). Treatment eliminates strain on the teeth, jaws, and muscles, which lessens the risk of breaking a tooth and may reduce symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders.
The goal is to correct the positioning of the teeth. Braces or other appliances may be used. Metal bands are placed around some teeth, or metal, ceramic, or plastic bonds are attached to the surface of the teeth. Wires or springs apply force to the teeth.
One or more teeth may need to be removed if overcrowding is part of the problem. Rough or irregular teeth may be adjusted down, reshaped, and bonded or capped. Misshapen restorations and dental appliances should be repaired. Surgery may be required on rare occasions. This may include surgical reshaping to lengthen or shorten the jaw (orthognathic surgery). Wires, plates, or screws may be used to stabilize the jaw bone, in a similar manner to the surgical stabilization of jaw fracture.
It is important to brush and floss your teethevery day and have regular visits to a general dentist. Plaque accumulates on braces and may permanently mark teeth or cause tooth decay if not properly cared for.
Retainers (used to stabilize the teeth) may be required for an indefinite time to maintain the new position of the teeth.
Expectations (prognosis)Problems with teeth alignment are easier, quicker, and less expensive to treat when they are corrected early. Treatment is most successful in children and adolescents because their bone is still soft and teeth are moved more easily. Treatment may last 6 months to 2 or more years, depending on the severity of the case.
Treatment of orthodontic disorders in adults is often successful but may require longer use of braces or other devices.
ComplicationsCall your orthodontist if toothache, mouth pain, or other new symptoms develop during orthodontic treatment.
PreventionMany types of malocclusion are not preventable. Control of habits such as thumb sucking may be necessary in some cases. However, early detection and treatment may optimize the time and method of treatment needed.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 02/22/2010
Jack D. Rosenberg, DDS, Advanced Dental Care, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, M.D., MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Braces are used to treat malocclusion by changing the position of the teeth.
malocclusion
Malocclusion
Malocclusion may be seen as crooked, crowded, or protruding teeth. It may affect a person's appearance, speech, and/or ability to eat.
If overcrowding is creating malocclusion, one or more teeth may be extracted (surgically removed), giving the others room to move.
Some symptoms that might indicate one has malocclusion are crooked or protruding teeth. If one has malocclusion then they may have a poor bite that could cause problems when chewing food, facial pain, or even slurred speech.
Poorly aligned or crowded teeth with no overbite or underbite.
Orthodontist
Overlapping of teeth in a radiograph, assuming no unusual malocclusion, is caused by improper horizontal angulation of the x-ray beam.
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.
In general, malocclusion is not preventable.
Night guards are sometimes recommended to ease the strain on the jaw and to limit teeth grinding.