What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Malalignment of Teeth
• Malocclusion of Teeth

What is Malocclusion? (Definition/Background Information)

• Malocclusion is an abnormal condition in which the teeth along the two dental arches (upper and lower jaws) do not align properly when the mouth is closed. This causes disturbed oral function including abnormal “bite” (over-bite, under-bite, or cross-bite), teeth protrusion, and overcrowding of teeth, besides aesthetic issues
• Malocclusion can also increase the risk for gum and periodontal diseases. It is reportedly the third-most common dental health condition, after tooth decay and gum/periodontal disease
• In many cases, it develops as a congenital genetic condition; although, Malocclusion can also be acquired due to a variety of factors such as sucking of thumb, prolonged use of feeding bottle and/or pacifier, jaw injuries resulting in severe misalignment, etc.
• It is important to note that very slight degrees of Malocclusion are common among the human population, which may be acceptable as normal and may generally go unnoticed. However, it is a cause for concern when the condition causes difficulties in eating, speaking, or is physically unattractive
• The treatment of Malocclusion depends on its severity and may involve the use of dental braces and other orthodontic techniques. In some cases, surgery is recommended to correct any jaw or mouth defect. With appropriate treatment, the prognosis of Malocclusion is usually good

Who gets Malocclusion? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• It is reported that Malocclusion prevalence rate vary from about 20% to 65% globally across the different geographic and ethnic regions of the world
• A majority of the cases are congenital in nature (present at birth), although acquired forms can be seen in both children and adults
• Both males and females are affected and no gender preference is noted
• No racial, ethnic, or geographical predominance is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Malocclusion? (Predisposing Factors)

There are several risk factors for Malocclusion and some of these include:

• Genetic disorders that involve the oral cavity and jaw including cleft lip and palate
• Family history of the condition may be a risk factor

Acquired Malocclusion may arise from the following factors:

• Severe trauma to the jaw from accidents
• Head and neck tumors that involve the mouth and jaw
• Teeth abnormalities such as hyperdontia (condition causing additional teeth), teeth impaction (eruption of teeth issues), or missing teeth
• Ill-fitting prosthetic dental devices
• Severe gum infections and periodontal diseases
• Use of feeding bottles and pacifiers in children beyond age 3 years
• Certain habits that children develop in infancy such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting
• Children regularly biting on pencils and pens as a habit

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Malocclusion? (Etiology)

• Malocclusion occurs as a result of faulty jaw and/or teeth alignment leading to irregular contact between the upper and lower jaws
• It is commonly caused by genetic factors resulting in small jaw or mouth defects, or by acquired factors such as tumors, injuries, or teeth abnormalities

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Malocclusion?

The signs and symptoms of Malocclusion can vary from one individual to another. It may be mild or severe and may include:

• Presence of abnormally-aligned teeth and/or jaw
• Protruding lower jaw or upper jaw when the mouth is closed; protruding teeth
• Biting and chewing difficulties
• Speaking difficulties, lisping while speaking
• Distorted or uneven appearance of the face
• Increased pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) resulting in jaw pain, discomfort, or stress
• In some cases, breathing through one’s mouth
• Symptoms of any underlying genetic condition

How is Malocclusion Diagnosed?

Malocclusion may be diagnosed using the following methods:

• Complete physical examination of the mouth and teeth
• Assessment of medical history including for the presence of any underlying genetic conditions
• Dental X-rays to study teeth layout and jaw alignment
• CT scans may be necessary to get a detailed picture of teeth arrangement
• Impression mold studies of both the upper and lower jaw by an orthodontist

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Malocclusion?

Complications due to Malocclusion may include:

• Severe eating and speaking difficulties
• Malocclusion in growing children may severely disrupt the normal arrangement of permanent teeth
• Increased susceptibility to gum diseases and tooth decay
• Severe emotional stress due to physical appearance
• Social ostracism and aloofness

How is Malocclusion Treated?

The treatment for Malocclusion is undertaken by an orthodontist and may involve the following measures:

• The dental professional may assess the condition and recommend surgery to remove additional teeth causing significant disruption to teeth alignment
• Placement of prosthetic dental devices (such as dental bracing) may be necessary to correct alignment of teeth along the dental arches
• Orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned or abnormal teeth, to correct ‘bites’, and improve appearance
• Severe conditions may require surgical corrective measures such as orthognathic surgery or jaw surgery

How can Malocclusion be Prevented?

Currently, there are no available methods to prevent Malocclusion that arises from a genetic cause.

• If there is a family history of the condition, genetic counseling will help assess risks, before planning for a child
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of inherited and acquired genetic disorders

In case of acquired types of Malocclusion, the following preventative measures may be considered:

• Undertake early and appropriate treatment of any head and neck tumors
• Correct teeth abnormalities in children
• Monitor oral devices and implants regularly for any dental health issues
• Do not use of feeding bottles and/or pacifiers in children beyond the age or 3 years
• Control certain childhood habits such as thumb sucking, pencil biting, etc.
• Follow good oral hygiene that can be achieved by brushing the teeth twice daily and by flossing at least once a day. This can help prevent gum diseases from forming

Visit a dental professional regularly to treat or ascertain any dental health issues in advance.

What is the Prognosis of Malocclusion? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

With early and appropriate treatment the prognosis of Malocclusion is typically good.

• However, the prognosis also depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause
• Also, prolonged treatment may be necessary - the treatment period may range anywhere from 6 months to 24 months or more

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Malocclusion:

• Dental braces placement procedure involves the placement of dental braces by an orthodontist to correct misaligned teeth and ‘bad bites’

Please visit our Dental Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/dental-health/