The term “malocclusion” was coined by Edward Angle, the “father of modern orthodontics,” who invented appliances and surgical techniques as a treatment to the condition. Malocclusion is commonly known as “bad bite.” The condition may also be referred to as an irregular bite, crossbite or overbite.

Malocclusion is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite. As a result, over years your teeth may become crooked, worn or protruded. Malocclusion can interfere with your ability to properly care for your teeth and your gum tissue health, by making it difficult to floss and brush. Additionally, malocclusion can affect your appearance, speech and ability to eat.

Malocclusion is most often found during a routine dental exam. A dentist will check your occlusion by watching how the teeth make contact when you bite down normally. You may be asked to bite down with a piece of coated paper between your upper and lower teeth. This paper will leave a colored mark at the points of contact. When malocclusion is suspected, photographs, bite assessment technology, and x-rays of the face and mouth may be taken to further confirm the diagnosis. A dentist may make plaster, plastic or artificial stone models of your teeth from impressions to duplicate the fit of the teeth and to help in planning the optimal treatment to resolve this condition.

Malocclusion is a common condition and often not preventable. Children often have some degree of malocclusion. It is often inherited, but may be acquired. 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. Malocclusions can occur due to habits such as finger or thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, premature loss of teeth from an accident or dental disease, and even from medical conditions such as enlarged tonsils and adenoids that lead to mouth breathing.

Malocclusion may cause no symptoms or produce pain or discomfort from increased stress on your skeletal structure. Left untreated, malocclusion can lead to mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. Chewing can then become difficult and digestion problems may develop.

For a malocclusion caused by a behavioral problem such as thumb sucking, stopping the behavior can often arrest the progression of malocclusion. However, the most common solution for malocclusion is orthodontic treatment. It is suggested that an initial consultation with an orthodontist be scheduled before a child is 7 years of age. This may lead to appropriate proactive management of the growth and development of the child’s dental and facial structures, circumventing many of the factors contributing to malocclusion.

At any given time, there are more than four million people in the United States wearing braces, most of whom are children and teenagers. However, more than 800,000 adults are receiving orthodontic treatment as well. Braces apply constant, gentle force to slowly change the position of teeth, straightening and achieving proper alignment. This treatment remedies symptoms stemming from malocclusion.

The actual course of orthodontic treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by the severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw to circumvent any possible damage.

At our practice, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results to treat your malocclusion. If you have any questions about malocclusion, or wish to schedule a consultation, please give us a call and we’ll answer any questions you may have.

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