Whenever possible, it is best to diagnose and treat malocclusion at a young age, when the bone is still soft and teeth can be moved more easily. Malocclusion may be treated in steps in children so that each therapy coincides with a child’s level of growth and development. However, treatment is often successful at any age.

Malocclusion typically is treated using fixed or removable appliances, or a combination of both. Fixed appliances are known as braces, and they are the most common form of treatment for malocclusion. Braces involve moving the teeth into proper position through a system of brackets and wires that pressures teeth to shift in a certain direction. Modern braces are available in clear materials that aren't as obtrusive as traditional metal braces. Braces might also be combined with springs and rubber bands as the orthodontist selectively applies pressure to move teeth into their desired locations.

Traditional removable appliances are composed of wires attached to a plastic base and can be removed by the patient. For example, a patient may be asked to wear a retainer that can be removed, often after their braces are removed. Head and neck gear are other examples of removable appliances, although they attach to nonremoveable structures in the mouth.  These devices typically are used in situations when extra tension is needed to straighten out a patient’s teeth or jaw. The success of these devices is highly dependent upon the patient’s willingness to closely follow a dentist or orthodontist’s treatment plan. 

Newer removable appliances are made completely from plastic and are used as a gentler way to correct malocclusion than braces. These products, which are clear, are difficult to see and are sometimes favored by adults, who do not want to wear metal braces for cosmetic reasons. Typically, this kind of correction system will have to be replaced every two weeks as new forms are created that apply pressure and gradually move the teeth. To be effective, these kinds of aligners should be worn constantly, except when the patient is eating, brushing or flossing. They may result in less pain and side effects than traditional braces, but may be more expensive.

Regardless of the treatment method, careful adherence to the recommended schedule for brushing and flossing is essential for success and the prevention of complications.

Other treatments for malocclusion include adjusting, reshaping, bonding or capping rough or irregular teeth. If dental restoration work is the source of the malocclusion, the restoration may have to be fixed or replaced.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct malocclusion, particularly in patients who may have skeletal problems that cannot be corrected without jaw surgery. Surgery may include procedures to lengthen or shorten the jaw (orthognathic surgery) and wires, plates or screws may be used to stabilize the jawbone.

In some situations a child may have selected primary teeth removed so that permanent teeth will erupt into proper position, although dental surgery is less common today than it was in the past. If the width of the upper jaw is too narrow, the orthodontist might recommend a palatal expander. This device resembles a retainer, except that it features a small, expanding screw in the middle that gradually opens the patient's jaw, thus allowing adult teeth to naturally drop into place. While braces and/or retainers might still be necessary after the use of a spacer, they might not have to be worn as long.