Types of Malocclusion:
Understating Bite Problems
Malocclusion is the term for misaligned teeth or an incorrect bite. Here’s a guide to the most common types and how they’re treated.
Malocclusion means your upper and lower teeth don’t align properly when your jaw closes. It can range from mild crowding to significant bite problems that affect your chewing, speech, and oral health.
Malocclusion is classified into three main types based on how your back teeth (molars) fit together.
The most common type. Your back teeth bite together normally, but you may have crowding, spacing, or slightly rotated teeth. A stable bite is important, it distributes chewing force evenly and protects your teeth from long-term damage.
Your upper jaw sits noticeably ahead of your lower jaw. This often presents as protruding front teeth or a deep overbite. It can be caused by jaw size differences, thumb sucking, or genetics.
Your lower jaw extends beyond your upper jaw, making your lower front teeth more prominent. This is often related to a larger mandible (lower jaw) or a shorter maxilla (upper jaw). The cause may be skeletal or dental.
All three classes can be treated with braces, and many can be treated with clear aligners. Severe skeletal cases may require orthognathic (jaw) surgery.
The most common type. Your back teeth bite together normally, but you may have crowding, spacing, or slightly rotated teeth. A stable bite is important, it distributes chewing force evenly and protects your teeth from long-term damage.
Your upper jaw sits noticeably ahead of your lower jaw. This often presents as protruding front teeth or a deep overbite. It can be caused by jaw size differences, thumb sucking, or genetics.
Your lower jaw extends beyond your upper jaw, making your lower front teeth more prominent. This is often related to a larger mandible (lower jaw) or a shorter maxilla (upper jaw). The cause may be skeletal or dental.
All three classes can be treated with braces, and many can be treated with clear aligners. Severe skeletal cases may require orthognathic (jaw) surgery.
One of the most common issues. When there isn’t enough space in the jaw, teeth overlap and become crooked. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. Treatment typically involves creating space (through IPR or extraction) and realigning the teeth.
Overjet is when upper teeth extend horizontally past the lower teeth. Overbite is when they overlap vertically. Both are associated with Class II malocclusion and can be caused by thumb sucking, pacifier use, or jaw size differences. In severe cases, lower teeth may bite into the gum behind the upper teeth.
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside. It can affect one side or both sides of the mouth. Early treatment is ideal, correcting a crossbite during childhood can prevent more severe problems later.
An open bite means your upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when your jaw is closed. This can affect chewing and speech. It may be caused by genetics, tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, or long-term pacifier use. Treatment depends on the cause, habit correction for children, orthodontics for adults, or surgery in severe cases.
Gaps between teeth can be a cosmetic concern and may be caused by a mismatch between jaw size and tooth size, or by gum disease. Mild gaps are easily closed with aligners or braces.
A gap between your two front teeth. It can be genetic or caused by a high frenal attachment (the tissue connecting your lip to your gum). Small gaps can be closed with bonding or veneers. Larger gaps require orthodontic treatment.
One of the most common issues. When there isn’t enough space in the jaw, teeth overlap and become crooked. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. Treatment typically involves creating space (through IPR or extraction) and realigning the teeth.
Overjet is when upper teeth extend horizontally past the lower teeth. Overbite is when they overlap vertically. Both are associated with Class II malocclusion and can be caused by thumb sucking, pacifier use, or jaw size differences. In severe cases, lower teeth may bite into the gum behind the upper teeth.
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside. It can affect one side or both sides of the mouth. Early treatment is ideal, correcting a crossbite during childhood can prevent more severe problems later.
An open bite means your upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when your jaw is closed. This can affect chewing and speech. It may be caused by genetics, tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, or long-term pacifier use. Treatment depends on the cause, habit correction for children, orthodontics for adults, or surgery in severe cases.
Gaps between teeth can be a cosmetic concern and may be caused by a mismatch between jaw size and tooth size, or by gum disease. Mild gaps are easily closed with aligners or braces.
A gap between your two front teeth. It can be genetic or caused by a high frenal attachment (the tissue connecting your lip to your gum). Small gaps can be closed with bonding or veneers. Larger gaps require orthodontic treatment.
Cost depends on the severity of your case and the length of treatment. The best way to get an accurate quote is to consult with a provider.
Myobrace: Early Intervention For Children
For younger patients, Myobrace offers a preventive approach to orthodontics. Rather than waiting for all adult teeth to come through, Myobrace addresses the underlying causes of crooked teeth, like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and incorrect swallowing, while the child is still growing.
Myobrace uses a series of removable oral appliances worn for 1–2 hours during the day and overnight. The goal is to correct poor oral habits and guide natural jaw development, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for braces or aligners later.
Best suited for: Children aged 3–15
Approach: Habit correction + jaw development
Myobrace:
Ealry Intervention For Children
For younger patients, Myobrace offers a preventive approach to orthodontics. Rather than waiting for all adult teeth to come through, Myobrace addresses the underlying causes of crooked teeth, like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and incorrect swallowing, while the child is still growing.
Myobrace uses a series of removable oral appliances worn for 1–2 hours during the day and overnight. The goal is to correct poor oral habits and guide natural jaw development, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for braces or aligners later.
Best suited for: Children aged 3–15
Approach: Habit correction + jaw development
A qualified dental professional can assess your bite, explain your options, and recommend the best treatment path, whether that’s clear aligners, braces, Myobrace, or a combination.