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Have you ever wondered why some people have crooked, misaligned teeth and oddly shaped jaws? What you may have seen could be a sign of malocclusion of teeth — a dental condition where the teeth are crooked and the lower and upper jaws do not align with each other.
This condition can range from mild to severe and may affect both children and adults, leading to various oral health issues if left untreated. Fortunately, malocclusion is treatable, and dentists can restore your beautiful smile and self-confidence with modern orthodontic treatments.
Let’s delve deeper into this dental condition, the types, symptoms, and treatment options.
What is Malocclusion?
Here’s the malocclusion definition: It is a common dental issue faced by many people, irrespective of age. Also known as a misaligned bite, this condition happens when the teeth in the upper and lower jaw fail to align with each other when the mouth closes.
There are several reasons why this misalignment occurs. It can be caused by widely spaced or overlapping teeth. Jawbone misalignment is another reason. It causes skeletal malocclusion — a condition where one jawbone is positioned too far forward or too far back in the mouth. When the jawbones differ in size, it can cause an improper bite.
Dentists may recommend treatment for severe malocclusion, especially when the condition interferes with your basic functions — such as chewing and biting food and speech.
If you are concerned about your jaw misalignment, it is important to know the malocclusion types to be able to determine if you have this condition.
Also Read: Early Gum Disease Indicators: How to Save Your Gums & Your Smile
What Are the Types of Malocclusion and the Symptoms?
Basically, malocclusion is categorised based on the alignment of the lower and upper teeth. Angle’s Classification of Malocclusion — introduced by Dr. Edward Angle, the father of modern orthodontics — is the most commonly used classification method.
The atypical categories of occlusion comprise Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 malocclusions. They are categorised according to the alignment of the lower and upper first molars:
Class 1 Malocclusion
The most common types of malocclusion — which refers to the standard position of the first molars in the lower and upper jaws with teeth misalignment — are:
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Space between the teeth
- Rotated teeth
- Teeth crowding
Class 2 Malocclusion
Happens when the lower first molar is positioned much behind the upper first molar, resulting in a severe overbite. This malocclusion type causes the lower front teeth to sit behind the upper ones — hampering chewing and speech abilities.
This malocclusion type occurs when the upper teeth shift forward due to skeletal discrepancies of the jaw or the premature loss of baby teeth.
Class 3 Malocclusion
This type of malocclusion arises when the upper first molars are positioned much behind the lower first molars — causing misalignment. In an end-to-end bite, it is called an underbite when the upper front teeth are touched or overlapped by the lower front teeth.
This malocclusion type may occur due to skeletal, genetic, or dental abnormalities.
So, which of the following types of malocclusions is most common?
Class 1 malocclusion is the most prevalent type, closely followed by Class 2 malocclusion and Class 3 malocclusion. The prevalence varies with race and ethnicity.
Next, let’s uncover the other types of malocclusion.
7 Common Types of Malocclusion You Should Know About
Apart from Class 1, 2, and 3 malocclusions, this dental condition can also manifest as:
1. Overcrowding — A dental condition where the lack of adequate space within the oral cavity leads to crooked, rotated, or overlapping teeth.
2. Impacted Tooth — A tooth unable to erupt fully because it is impacted inside the gums. This commonly happens with canines and wisdom teeth.
3. Missing Teeth or Hypodontia — Can be a congenital defect or happen due to trauma or dental issues.
4. Overbite — A common occurrence where the upper front teeth overlap excessively, leading to oral problems. A deep bite often causes the teeth to press against the roof of the mouth and nearby gum tissues.
5. Underbite — A condition where the lower front teeth are located far forward, causing an anterior crossbite or underbite. This may cause the edges of the tooth enamel to wear down — resulting in difficulty speaking and chewing.
6. Crossbite — A crossbite occurs when your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth. This dental alignment issue can happen on either side of the jaw, as well as at the back or front of the mouth.
7. Spacing — Various factors can contribute to gaps between teeth. Common reasons include small-sized teeth, missing teeth, and habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
But how will you know if you or your family members have this dental issue? Let’s explore.
Symptoms
You should look out for:
- Speech difficulties
- Breathing trouble
- Changes in facial structure
- Noises during mouth movement
- Pain in the face, ear, and jaw
- Difficulty in opening and closing the mouth
- Biting of the tongue and inner cheeks
- Crooked teeth
- Painful biting and chewing
Malocclusion is often noticeable, especially in severe cases. Some cases may be subtle and easily overlooked. However, malocclusion can affect your smile, confidence, and daily life. It is important to treat it, and keeping your mouth clean is also crucial for healthy teeth and gums.
Care for Your Oral Health for a Beautiful Smile
Now that you know the answer to the question “What is malocclusion?”, it is clear why daily dental care is mandatory — an ongoing part of life, whether you have malocclusion or not.
Furthermore, if you have braces or retainers, there should be no compromise with your oral hygiene. To prevent braces and retainers from causing tiny spaces where food can get stuck, you should:
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day.
- Make an effort to brush around your mouth and all surfaces of your teeth, and do not skip any small nooks and crannies around your teeth or mouth.
- Floss once a day — either with the traditional type of floss or with a water-jet type of floss — to clean between teeth and along the gum line.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods like hard candy that sticks to your teeth.
- See your dentist for cleanings to assess plaque and bacterial buildup.
Remember, malocclusion has a lot more to do with your oral health than just your looks.
Thinking whether you or your loved ones may have malocclusion? At Woden Dental Centre — the best dental clinic in Woden, Australia — our dental experts deliver the right treatment. Book an appointment today!
