Malocclusion is any condition that results in an incorrect bite, or occlusion. It occurs when a person’s upper and lower teeth and jaw do not fit together properly. Malocclusion is a term that comes from Latin and means “bad bite.”

A perfect bite is one where the top teeth fit slightly over the lower teeth. The cusps or points of a molar – which are found in both the top and bottom rows of teeth – fit in the opposite molar in a specific way. Teeth should be aligned, straight and proportionally spaced. When a bite is correct, the upper teeth protect the lips and cheeks from being bitten, while the lower teeth protect the tongue.

Few people have a perfect bite (occlusion). Many have minor malocclusions that do not require orthodontic treatment. However, some people have abnormalities that are significant enough to cause problems. People with malocclusion may have trouble biting, struggle to keep teeth clean and experience health problems related to gum tissue. Malocclusion also can affect jaw growth, speech development and a person’s appearance.

Dentists and orthodontists generally treat malocclusion if patients experience symptoms related to their bite, or when abnormalities in the patient’s bite increase the risk of future problems unless corrective treatment is undertaken. Treatment may also be rendered to solely address cosmetic concerns.

Malocclusion can cause various types of problems with the teeth and jaws. Some of the most common include:

• Crossbite. Most common type is when the upper teeth bite or occlude inside of the lower teeth. This can cause biting and chewing problems.
  
  
• Crowded or crooked teeth. Poor alignment of the teeth can occur as a result of a dental arch that is too small, teeth that are too large or a combination of these factors. Teeth may become impacted or biting may be affected. Crowded or crooked teeth also can be cosmetically unappealing.
  
  
• Open bite. Occurs when the upper and lower incisor teeth do not touch during biting. This places all chewing pressure on the back teeth, making chewing less efficient and causing excessive wearing of the back teeth.
  
  
• Overbite. The upper jaw is protrudes in front of the lower jaw, leading to discomfort, bone damage and excessive wear of the front teeth.
  
  
• Spacing. A wide dental arch or missing or small teeth can cause gaps between the teeth, which may be considered cosmetically unappealing.
  
  
• Underbite. Lower jaw is bigger than the upper jaw, resulting in lower front teeth that protrude and a possible crossbite.

Patients receive numerous benefits from treatment to correct bite or occlusal abnormalities of their teeth or jaws. Treatments can significantly reduce or eliminate excessive strain on the teeth, jaws and muscles. This lessens the risk of breaking a tooth and reduces the likelihood of developing symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorders.

Teeth that are straight or properly aligned are easier to brush and floss, which reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Teeth that do not protrude are less likely to be injured during a fall or other minor mishap. A proper bite also can help people to chew and digest their food more efficiently, which can prevent malnutrition.

Treatment can also help correct speech difficulties and can prevent the back teeth from wearing down as a result of an inaccurate bite. Finally, treatment to correct a misaligned bite can improve a patient’s appearance, leading to enhanced self-esteem.