What Is Malocclusion (Misaligned Bite)? Types Of Malocclusion, Causes & Treatment

When we talk about a healthy smile and oral health, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t entirely depend on straight teeth, but heavily relies on appropriate jaw alignment. Malocclusion, also known as a misaligned bite, can hurt speaking, chewing and overall oral health.

While some misaligned teeth cases are mild, however, when left untreated, malocclusion of teeth can result in discomfort, jaw issues and tooth wear. Understanding malocclusion of teeth and how to fix a misaligned jaw is crucial for good oral health.

What Is Malocclusion?

In simple words, malocclusion means misaligned teeth, where your upper & lower teeth do not align correctly when you close your mouth. This can happen because of crooked/crowded teeth or due to the misalignment of the upper and lower jaws. It can be mild or severe, resulting in various issues. Early detection of malocclusion can lead to better and improved outcomes.

What Are The Different Types Of Malocclusion?

1) Overbite

The upper front teeth overlap unusually over the lower teeth, which causes tooth wear and jaw pain.

2) Underbite

The lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth, making it difficult to chew and affecting facial appearance.

3) Crossbite

A few upper teeth tend to sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside, which results in jaw strain.

4) Open Bite

The front lower and upper teeth do not align when you close your mouth, leading to speaking and biting issues.

5) Overjet

The upper front teeth stick out inordinately over the lower teeth, which causes speaking problems, front teeth trauma and affects overall facial appearance.

What Are The Causes Of Malocclusion?

There are a lot of things that cause malocclusion; a few of them are listed below:

• Genetics
• Jaw Injuries
• Loss of Tooth
• Prolonged Use Of A Pacifier
• Thumb Sucking
• Teeth Grinding/Bruxism
• TMJ Disorders
• Tumors

Top 4 Treatment Options For Malocclusion!

• Braces: Traditional metal or ceramic braces help to align teeth and correct bite problems.
• Clear Aligners: Removable or invisible aligners are an ideal choice for Adults seeking treatment for misaligned teeth.
• Orthodontic Devices: Expanders or Retainers help to guide both jaw and teeth alignment.
• Surgery: There may be a requirement for jaw surgery to fix structural issues that cannot be fixed with braces.

In Conclusion

Malocclusion of teeth cannot be simply defined as a cosmetic concern because it affects oral health and the proper functioning of the teeth. We hope that this blog helped you to understand the types of misaligned teeth and different options for misaligned bite treatment.

With modern orthodontic practices, you don’t have to worry about how to fix a misaligned jaw, as multiple options are available at Bombay Dental Specialities. For any further queries, get in touch with us today!