What does “Dental malocclusion” mean?
Dental malocclusion is a bite problem caused mainly by tooth position, alignment, or inclination rather than the relationship between the jaws.
Problems arising from the position of teeth
Teeth may be crowded, rotated, or tilted inward or outward, affecting the bite. Differences between tooth size and available arch space, as well as tooth loss and eruption problems, are also assessed.
Evaluation with skeletal problems
Even when a problem is described as dental, jaw size, position, and growth are also assessed. Tooth inclination may mask a skeletal discrepancy, or dental and skeletal factors may coexist. Examination findings, models or scans, and any necessary imaging are considered together.
Range within which teeth can be moved
Appliances are selected according to the space required, direction of tooth movement, and gum and bone support. A dental cause does not automatically mean treatment will be short or limited to a few teeth. The overall bite and retention after treatment are planned together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dental malocclusion always simple to treat?
No. Treatment can be complicated depending on the amount of movement, lack of space, and extent of occlusion. The classification and level of difficulty are different pieces of information.
Can dental malocclusion be treated without extractions?
Extractions or other ways to create space are considered according to the space needed and tooth positions. The classification as a dental problem alone does not determine the choice.
Questions to help you understand dental malocclusion
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Which tooth position is the problem?
Explanation and evidenceCheck the location and space of overlap, tilt, and eruption and evaluate the effect on occlusion.
U.S. National Library of Medicine · Malocclusion of Teeth - A choice suited to your condition
Do you have data to determine the scope of treatment?
Explanation and evidenceOral examination, photographs, models, and imaging are used to assess the teeth and jaws and develop the full treatment plan.
American Association of Orthodontists · Glossary of Orthodontic Terms
