Malocclusion
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Dr. Sameet Sheth and our experienced team here at Restorative & Implant Dentistry of Bayside offer an array of advanced treatments for bite irregularities caused by malocclusion. This common condition, often resulting in issues such as overbite, underbite, and crowding of the teeth, can lead to serious oral health concerns and have an effect on both dental function and facial aesthetics. Our board-certified prosthodontist can evaluate your oral structures and develop a customized treatment plan designed to successfully address malocclusion.
What is Malocclusion?
Malocclusion is the term used to describe irregular alignment of the jaws and/or teeth. This condition can result in an improper bite, which can affect your ability to properly chew food, brush and floss your teeth, and maintain good periodontal (gum) health. Malocclusion can also affect one’s facial appearance. While most individuals have some degree of malocclusion, some people have severe forms of the condition and require treatment to correct it.
Some of the most common malocclusion conditions include:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Overjet
- Teeth crowding
Moderate to severe cases of malocclusion that go untreated can significantly increase the risk of tooth decay, fractured or chipped teeth, and gum disease. In addition, malocclusion can lead to chronic jaw pain, headaches, an imbalanced facial appearance, tooth sensitivity, and even loose teeth.
With treatment from an experienced dentist and prosthodontist such as Dr. Sheth, individuals can improve teeth and jaw alignment, reduce the potential for developing other dental concerns, and enhance both aesthetics and function.
What Are the Different Types of Malocclusion?
Malocclusion is classified in three distinct categories:
Class I Malocclusion
The most common type of malocclusion, Class I Malocclusion is ascribed to conditions where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth to a slight degree; however, the bite is essentially normal.
Class II Malocclusion
Class II Malocclusion is characterized by a severe upper teeth overlap of the lower teeth. This type of malocclusion is usually present in those who have prominent overbites, overjets, or “deep” bites.
Class III Malocclusion
A Class III Malocclusion indicates an underbite condition. This form of malocclusion occurs in patients who have a lower jaw that projects forward, resulting in the bottom row of teeth overlapping the upper row.
What Malocclusion Treatment Options Are Available?
Dr. Sheth offers a range of treatments to address occlusion and parafunction conditions, including:
Limited Restorative Therapy
Some types of malocclusion can be effectively improved with limited restorative therapy, depending on the condition’s severity. This treatment option utilizes custom-designed dental crowns or other restorations to help patients achieve an improved bite. The restorations are precisely crafted and placed on the teeth in a way that should result in the most natural fit and appearance possible.
Occlusal Guards for Nighttime Bruxism
Occlusal guards are not designed to correct the actual malocclusion condition; however, they can be very useful for the prevention of teeth damage caused by bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth) during sleep, which some research has shown to be a possible contributor to malocclusion. Commonly known as nightguards or mouthguards, these oral appliances are custom-made for a comfortable fit. Occlusal guards protect the top and bottom rows of teeth from grating against each other while sleeping, preventing wear-and-tear among the teeth and reducing the risk of structural weakening.
Additional Malocclusion Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should children be evaluated for malocclusion?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 71 . At this stage, a mix of primary and permanent teeth is present, allowing dentists to detect early signs of bite problems such as crowding,
Can malocclusion develop over time, or is it always genetic?
Malocclusion has both genetic and environmental causes, and it can develop over time. While jaw size, tooth size, and bite patterns are largely inherited, a wide range of habits and conditions can trigger or worsen misalignment throughout childhood and adulthood. Prolonged thumb-sucking, pacifier use past the age of 3, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, and nail biting are all known contributors. Childhood jaw trauma, early loss of baby teeth, and certain medical conditions affecting bone or muscle development can also cause malocclusion to develop gradually, even in individuals with no family history of bite problems.
What role does tooth loss or shifting play in developing malocclusion?
Tooth loss, whether from decay, gum disease, or trauma, is a significant driver of malocclusion in adults. When a tooth is missing, adjacent and opposing teeth can gradually drift into the gap, rotating or tilting out of their natural alignment. This shifting disrupts the balanced distribution of bite forces, often leading to uneven wear, jaw strain, and progressive misalignment over time. Even partial shifting can create cascading effects throughout the arch. Early tooth replacement and restorative dentistry options like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures are typically recommended to prevent this type of acquired malocclusion from developing.
Does malocclusion affect facial appearance or profile shape?
Malocclusion can have a notable impact on facial aesthetics and skeletal profiles. A severe overbite may create the appearance of a receding chin and fuller upper lip, while an underbite often produces a more prominent lower jaw and concave midface profile. Significant crowding or spacing issues can affect lip posture and support. Open bites may cause the lips to rest apart naturally, altering the lower third of the face. In cases where jaw bones are involved, rather than just the teeth, these profile changes can be pronounced enough to warrant both orthodontic and surgical treatment for comprehensive correction.
Would you like to learn more about treatments for malocclusion? Please contact Restorative & Implant Dentistry of Bayside today with any questions you may have, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheth.