Malocclusion Treatment

Crowding can create narrow passageways between teeth that are hard to clean. Gaps can create open gum areas that are vulnerable to bacteria and buildup. These issues can ultimately lead to decay, gum irritation, and even tooth loss.

Abrasion between misaligned teeth can wear on tooth enamel, weakening the tooth structure and making it more susceptible to damage and decay.

Individuals with malocclusion may feel self-conscious about their appearance and smile. This lack of confidence can affect their personal and professional life as well as their mental health.

Malocclusion can put stress on the jaw and surrounding muscles, resulting in jaw disorders like TMJ.

Misalignment can cause problems with talking, including lisps.

Malocclusion may make chewing, biting into food, and/or swallowing difficult.

Mouth breathing can cause sleep disorders, dry mouth, and an increased risk of tooth decay.

If a malocclusion is caused by the positioning of the jaw, surgery may be needed, particularly in cases involving adults. Adult jaws are already formed and harder to influence with orthodontic appliances.

If crowding is present, an orthodontic treatment plan may include tooth removal to ensure there is enough space for teeth to shift into correct positioning.

Through a bracket-and-wire system that’s continually tightened by a dentist or orthodontist, braces apply continuous gentle pressure on the teeth to move them and correct malocclusion. Braces treatment for serious malocclusion may take two years or longer.

Because adult jaws are already developed and harder to influence, orthodontic appliances like headgear (a device that involves wiring inside and outside of the mouth) and a palatal expander (which is applied to the roof of the mouth and expanded to widen the jaw) are not as commonly used, but they may be a part of treatment.

Clear aligners are removable and fit over teeth. With clear aligner treatment, a series of aligners is designed, each with subtle pressure points and bite changes that guide teeth through a gentle progression to proper alignment.

Each tray is worn for a week or two. After the last tray is finished, teeth are in place.

With Class 1 malocclusion (the most common type of malocclusion), an individual has a normal bite, but the upper teeth go slightly too far over the lower teeth. Misalignment may be present, with issues like crossbite, tooth rotation, crowding, gaps, and other irregularities.

Treatment options may include braces or clear aligners. Tooth removal may be needed if crowding is severe and will block orthodontic treatment.

Class 2 malocclusion is sometimes called retrognathism or overbite. It occurs when the top teeth and jaw sit too far over the lower teeth and jaw. 

Class 2 malocclusion is further categorized into two divisions:

• Class 2, Division 1 malocclusion: The upper teeth protrude over lower teeth or are tilted forward. This is sometimes called overjet teeth or buck teeth.

• Class 2, Division 2 malocclusion: The upper teeth overlap lower teeth and are tilted toward the roof of the mouth, causing a deep overbite or deep bite.

Class 2 malocclusion may require jaw surgery if the overbite is related to jaw placement (skeletal overbite). Tooth removal may be required if crowding is present. Teeth misalignment will also need to be treated with braces or clear aligners, sometimes in conjunction with orthodontic devices.

Class 3 malocclusion is called underbite or prognathism. With this type of misalignment, the lower jaw sits forward, beyond the upper jaw. The lower teeth and jaw will overlap the upper teeth and jaw.

Class 3 malocclusion caused by the lower jaw protruding forward (skeletal underbite) usually requires jaw surgery and, in cases involving crowding, may require tooth extraction. The misalignment of teeth will require additional treatment: braces or clear aligners, sometimes with the use of orthodontic devices as well.