Malocclusions are problems with the mouth that cause the teeth to be misaligned in one way or another. In addition to being unattractive, malocclusions can impair proper mouth function and make it more difficult to clean the teeth. As a result, people with malocclusions are more prone to developing cavities and other oral health problems.

Malocclusions can be caused by a variety of factors. In some cases, they are genetically linked and caused by improper skeletal growth. Trauma to the jaw and baby teeth that stay in the mouth for too long can also cause malocclusions. Baby teeth that stay in the mouth too long can cause the new teeth to be misguided as they grow in. Therefore, some malocclusions can be avoided by removing the baby teeth so the adult teeth can grow properly.

Malocclusions can also be repaired through orthodontic treatment. Not all malocclusions require treatment. In fact, few people have perfect alignment. Those who are self-conscious about the way their teeth look, who have difficulty properly cleaning their teeth, or who are experiencing pressure on the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull are primary candidates for treatment.

There are three primary classes of malocclusions. Class one malocclusions involve a normal bite or alignment, but the patient’s teeth are crowded or positioned in the wrong location. Class one malocclusions are particularly difficult to clean properly, as the teeth overlap each other or may even grow above or below the line where the rest of the teeth grow.

Class two malocclusions are those in which the top front teeth extend too far beyond the lower teeth. This condition is often referred to as buckteeth or overbite and is generally caused by a lower jaw that is too short. It is the most common problem addressed by orthodontists.

Class three malocclusions are characterized by the bottom front teeth extending beyond the top front teeth. In this case, the lower jaw is typically too large. This condition is typically referred to as an underbite.

Other malocclusions include an open bite and midline mismatches. With an open bite, the front teeth remain open when the back teeth are closed together, allowing the tongue out between the teeth when the mouth is closed. With midline mismatches, the center of the bottom jaw and the center of the top jaw do not line up.