Malocclusion is the medical term for when the upper and lower teeth don’t align properly. It’s like when your shoes don’t fit just right. Many malocclusions can be fixed with orthodontic treatment, like braces or Invisalign. But if your bite is really bad, you might need special orthodontic devices or other treatment methods.
Curious about the different types of malocclusions and how they might be treated? Keep reading this blog to find out.
What are Malocclusion Classes?
Bites can be grouped into three main classes: Class I, Class II, and Class III. Let’s explore each one.
Class 1 Malocclusion
Class I malocclusion, also called Class I occlusion or Class I bite, happens when your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth a little bit. This can be caused by sucking your thumb or using a bottle for too long when you were a child.
Although it’s not a major issue, simple treatments can still fix Class I malocclusion. There are three different types of Class I malocclusion:
- Type 1: Your teeth lean towards your tongue.
- Type 2: Your lower teeth lean towards your tongue, and your upper teeth stick out a little bit.
- Type 3: Your upper teeth are crowded and lean towards your tongue.
Class 2 Malocclusion
Class II malocclusion, also called Class II occlusion or Class II bite, is when your upper teeth stick out over your lower teeth a lot. This is a more serious problem that can affect your bite.
You need to see an orthodontist early to fix Class II malocclusion. It might take some time, but you can fix it permanently.
There are two types of Class II malocclusion:
- Division 1: Your upper teeth lean towards your lips.
- Division 2: Your upper front teeth lean towards your tongue.
Class 3 Malocclusion
Class III malocclusion, also called Class III occlusion or Class III bite, is an underbite. This means your lower teeth stick out over your upper teeth. Sometimes, it can also be a crossbite, where some of your upper and lower teeth overlap.
Class III malocclusion is divided into three types based on how the teeth are lined up:
- Type 1: Your teeth form a weird shape.
- Type 2: Your lower front teeth lean towards your tongue.
- Type 3: The upper teeth are strangely shaped and lean towards the tongue.
What are the Symptoms of Malocclusion?
The symptoms of malocclusion can range from mild to severe, depending on the type. Common signs include:
- Teeth that are not properly aligned.
- Discomfort when biting or chewing (uneven bite).
- Speech difficulties.
- Trouble breathing through the mouth.
- Frequently biting the tongue or cheeks.
- Changes in facial appearance.
What are the Common Causes of Malocclusion?
Most malocclusions are inherited from parents, but other factors can also cause them. If you experience one of these problems, addressing it is important because it can change your jaw’s shape over time.
Here are some things that can cause malocclusions:
- Losing a tooth early.
- Using a pacifier for too long.
- Losing a permanent tooth.
- Sucking your thumb or finger.
- Having a cleft lip or palate.
- Getting an injury to your mouth or jaw.
- Having tumors in your mouth or jaw.
- Being bottle-fed.
- Having an impacted tooth.
- Not taking good care of your teeth.
- Having an airway that is blocked.
10 Different Types of Malocclusions
There are many different ways your teeth can be misaligned. Here are some common problems:
- Overcrowding
When your teeth are too close together and overlap, it’s called overcrowding. This can happen when there isn’t enough room for all your teeth. - Spacing
If there’s too much space between your teeth, it can also cause problems. This can make it harder for your permanent teeth to come in correctly. - Openbite
An openbite is when your upper and lower front teeth don’t touch each other. This can make it hard to chew and speak. - Overjet
When your upper front teeth stick out too far over your lower front teeth, it’s called an overjet. This can also make it hard to chew and speak. - Overbite
An overbite is when your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth too much. This can cause your lower teeth to bite into your gums or even the roof of your mouth. - Underbite
When the lower front teeth stick out farther than the upper front teeth, it’s called an underbite, also known as an anterior crossbite. - Crossbite
A crossbite is when your upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth. This can happen on one or both sides of your jaw, and it can affect your front or back teeth. - Diastema
A diastema is a gap between two of your teeth, usually your front teeth. - Impacted Tooth
An impacted tooth is a tooth that can’t come through your gum on its own. It might need to be removed or exposed so you can get braces. - Missing Tooth
A missing tooth, also called hypodontia, can result from an injury or a problem with tooth development.
How to Fix Malocclusions?
Braces and Invisalign are great ways to correct mild malocclusion problems. Here’s how the two work:
Braces
Braces are one of the oldest and most well-known treatments for malocclusion. They can straighten your teeth and jaw to fix your smile and bite. Sometimes, the dentist may need to remove some teeth before starting braces treatment, especially in children and teens.
Braces come in metal, ceramic, or lingual (behind the teeth) material. The type of braces you need will depend on the severity of your malocclusion.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a clear plastic aligner system that can treat all types of malocclusion, including underbites, open bites, overbites, and crossbites. It is invisible to others, so it’s a great option if you want discreet treatment. You wear Invisalign for 20-22 hours a day, and it gradually moves your teeth into place.
To Wrap It All Up!
Malocclusion can be treated. If you or a loved one has misaligned bites, you should see a dentist.
At Trinity Dental Centers, we provide high-quality orthodontic care for patients of all ages. It starts with your first appointment! Call us today at (281) 724-4510 to schedule a consultation, and let’s get started on creating the beautiful smile you deserve.
