Malocclusion of teeth is typically diagnosed through routine dental exams. Your dentist will examine your teeth and may perform dental X-rays to determine if your teeth are properly aligned. If malocclusion is detected, it will be classified by its type and severity. There are three major classes of malocclusion: Class 1 Class 1 malocclusion is diagnosed when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. In this type of malocclusion, the bite is normal and the overlap is slight. Class 1 malocclusion is the most common classification of malocclusion. Class 2 Class 2 malocclusion is diagnosed when a severe overbite is present. This condition, known as retrognathism (or retrognathia), means that the upper teeth and jaw significantly overlap the lower jaw and teeth. Class 3 Class 3 malocclusion is also diagnosed when there’s a severe underbite. This condition, known as prognathism, means that the lower jaw protrudes forward. This causes the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth and jaw. How Is a Malocclusion of the Teeth Treated? Most people with mild malocclusion will not require any treatment. However, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist if your malocclusion is severe. Depending on your type of malocclusion, your orthodontist may recommend various treatments. These can include: braces to correct the position of the teeth removal of teeth to correct overcrowding reshaping, bonding, or capping of teeth surgery to reshape or shorten the jaw wires or plates to stabilize the jaw bone Treatment for the disorder may also result in some complications. These include: tooth decay pain or discomfort irritation of the mouth from the use of appliances, such as braces difficulty chewing or speaking during treatment How Can Malocclusion Be Prevented? Preventing the disorder can be difficult because most cases of malocclusion are hereditary. Parents of young children should limit pacifier and bottle use to help reduce changes in the development of the jaw. Early detection of malocclusion may help cut down on the length (and severity) of the treatment needed to correct the problem. The treatment of malocclusion of teeth in children and adults typically results in correction of the problem. Early treatment in childhood will reduce the duration of treatment, and also make it less expensive. Adults can also get good results. However, treatment for adults will generally take longer and will be more expensive. The earlier you treat malocclusion, the better the outcome.
