Crossbite, overbite and underbite are just three of the most common terms used by dentists to describe teeth alignment problems or malocclusion. Although we don’t really care about how we bite, or if our teeth are aligned or not as long as we don’t feel any discomfort or pain, looking for the most appropriate solutions to fix teeth alignment problems is still the best way to prevent teeth from further damage.

1. 6/1/2013Richmond Family Dentist Swinney, Brent DDS (765) 962-3000 (866) 763-4847
Teeth Alignment Problems
(Malocclusion)
Richmond Family Dentist
Swinney, Brent D.D.S.
Types of Teeth Alignment Problems
Causes of Malocclusion
How To Fix Malocclusion

2. What Is Malocclusion?
- popularly known as bad bite or poor bite, is a
condition in which the teeth are crowded,
crooked or out of alignment, or the jaws don't
meet properly. This condition may become
particularly noticeable between the ages of six
and 12, when the adult or permanent teeth are
erupting. (ADA)
Teeth Alignment Problems
(Malocclusion)

3. Overbite
- the extent of vertical (superior-inferior) overlap of
the maxillary central incisors over the mandibular central
incisors; it does not refer to a lower jaw being too far behind the
upper jaw (Wikipedia)
Types of Teeth Alignment Problems
(Malocclusion)

4. Underbite
- a dental condition where the lower jaw protrudes up and
outward abnormally, partially overlapping with the upper
teeth. (dentalhealthmed.com)
Types of Teeth Alignment Problems
(Malocclusion)

5. Crossbite
- an occlusal irregularity where a tooth (or teeth) has a
more buccal or lingual position (that is, the tooth is either
closer to the cheek or to the tongue) than its corresponding
antagonist tooth in the upper or lower arcade. (Wikipedia)
Types of Teeth Alignment Problems
(Malocclusion)

6. Malocclusion – usually caused by:
• shape or size of the jaw or teeth
• inherit mismatched traits such as jaw
size, tooth size, transposed teeth etc.
• tongue thrusting
• thumb-sucking
Causes of Malocclusion

7. • pacifier use for more than 4 to 6 hours
within a 24-hour period.
• tooth loss due to accidents, injuries or
tooth decay
• extra teeth
• abnormal size of teeth
• tumors of the mouth and jaw
Causes of Malocclusion
www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/malocclusion-and-orthodontics-cause

8. Symptoms or Signs of Malocclusion includes one or two of the
following:
• Abnormal alignment of teeth
• Abnormal appearance of the face
• Difficulty or discomfort when biting or chewing
• Speech difficulties (rare) including lisp
• Mouth breathing (breathing through the mouth without
closing the lips)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001058.htm
Symptoms

9. The goal is to correct the positioning of the
teeth. Hence any of the following treatments or
procedure may apply:
• Braces or other appliances may be used.
• Metal bands are placed around some teeth, or metal,
ceramic, or plastic bonds are attached to the surface
of the teeth.
How To Fix Malocclusion
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001058.htm

10. • Wires or springs apply force to the teeth.
• One or more teeth may need to be removed if
overcrowding is part of the problem.
• Rough or irregular teeth may be adjusted down,
reshaped, and bonded or capped.
• Misshapen restorations and dental appliances should
be repaired.
• Surgery may be required on special cases.
How To Fix Malocclusion
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001058.htm

11. Braces
How To Fix Malocclusion

12. Orthodontic Appliance
How To Fix Malocclusion

13. How To Fix Malocclusion