Malocclusion meaning in plain words
Occlusion is the way your teeth fit together. Malocclusion is simply an occlusion that is out of the ordinary: crooked teeth, teeth that overlap too much or too little, or jaws that do not line up. It is not a disease. It is a description, and its seriousness ranges from trivial to a real problem for chewing and cleaning.
Angle's classes I, II and III
The most widely used system sorts bites by how the upper and lower jaws and first molars relate. Class I is a normal jaw relationship, though the teeth may still be crowded or gapped. Class II is a bite where the lower jaw sits behind the upper, as in a pronounced overjet. Class III has the lower jaw forward, as in an underbite.
| Class | Jaw relationship | What it often looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Class I | Normal relationship between upper and lower jaws | Crowding, gaps or rotated teeth, but a normal bite |
| Class II | Lower jaw sits behind the upper | Upper front teeth stick out, often with a deep overbite |
| Class III | Lower jaw sits in front of the upper | Lower front teeth in front of the upper ones, an underbite |
Angle's classification in plain words. General information only; a dentist assesses each bite.
Common types of malocclusion
Crowding and spacing are the most frequent; see our guide on crooked teeth. A deep bite and an increased overbite are covered in what is an overbite. Underbite is in our underbite guide. A crossbite is where some upper teeth sit inside the lower ones, and an open bite is where the front teeth do not meet at all.
Causes and treatment
Most malocclusion is inherited jaw and tooth size. Childhood habits such as thumb sucking, early loss of milk teeth, extra or missing teeth and injury also play a part.
Treatment depends on the type and severity: braces or aligners for most, growth guidance in children, and jaw surgery for a few adults. Many mild cases need only monitoring. See braces and orthodontics for more.
Common questions
Is malocclusion serious?
It is a description, not a disease. Mild cases cause no harm. Some can make cleaning harder, wear teeth unevenly or affect chewing, which a dentist can assess.
Does everyone with malocclusion need braces?
No. Mild irregularities with no functional problem may only need regular checks. Treatment is advised when there is a clear problem or the patient wants the change.
What is a Class II malocclusion?
It describes a bite where the lower jaw sits behind the upper, so the upper front teeth tend to stick out. It is one of the more common patterns brought to a dentist.
About this page
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Prices are prevailing Lucknow market ranges. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination. For questions about your own case, call +91 83036 12717.