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Malocclusions: Types and Treatment

A “malocclusion” is a misalignment of the teeth or jaw that causes bite problems that can affect oral health and even speech. Whether mild or severe, malocclusions can cause discomfort or pain, difficulty chewing properly and even long-term dental complications if left untreated.

Understanding Malocclusions: What Are They?

In addition to the purely medical problems that these misalignments can cause, we cannot overlook that they can also cause problems of insecurity and low esteem in some people, due to how some of these problems affect our appearance and aesthetics.

Fortunately, current orthodontic treatments, such as braces and Invisalign, can correct these problems, improving both function and esthetics.
At Aspen Orthodontics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of malocclusions. Let’s explore the most common bite problems and the best orthodontic solutions to correct them.

Orthodontist from Aspen Orthodontics showing malocclusions examples using a dental teeth model

Types of Malocclusions & How We Fix Them

Crowding

What is it?

Crowding occurs when there is not enough room in the jaw for all teeth to fit together properly, causing some teeth to overlap or rotate and become misaligned. This condition can make it difficult to clean teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and/or gum disease. Also, causing teeth to come together wrong and lead to premature wear and loss of enamel and/ or chipping of teeth.

 

How We Treat It:

  • Braces: Traditional or clear braces gradually shift teeth into proper alignment.
  • Invisalign: A series of clear aligners can be used for mild to moderate crowding cases.
  • Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, removing a tooth may be necessary to create space.
Image of misaligned teeth due to crowding malocclusion

Spacing or Diastema (Gaps Between Teeth)

What is it?

Spacing problems arise when there is too much space between the teeth, causing visible gaps. This can be due to missing teeth, having small teeth or having an unusually wide jaw. This type of malocclusion can cause different problems, such as:

  • Increased plaque and food buildup: Spaces between teeth can trap food debris and plaque more easily, making cleaning more difficult and increasing the risk of cavities and periodontal disease (such as gingivitis and periodontitis).
  • Bite problems: In some cases, tooth spacing can affect occlusion, i.e., the way the upper and lower teeth meet, which can cause head, jaw, ear and neck pain, as well as chewing problems.
  • Pronunciation problems: Diastemas (use layman’s term “spacing”) can interfere with the articulation of certain sounds, affecting diction.
  • Wear and tear of enamel, gums and bone structure: A diastema can cause an imbalance in the bite, which in the long term can cause wear of the enamel, gums and bone structure.

How We Treat It:

  • Braces: Metal or ceramic braces gradually close gaps by moving teeth closer together.
  • Invisalign: Clear aligners are an effective solution for mild to moderate spacing problems.

Bonding/Veneers: In some cases, cosmetic dental treatments may complement orthodontic work.

Image of a woman with diastema or space between teeth

Overbite

What is it?

An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. Severe overbites can lead to excessive tooth wear, jaw pain, and increased stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), potentially resulting in chronic discomfort and headaches. This malocclusion can also contribute to speech difficulties, improper chewing function, and, in some cases, changes in facial appearance over time.

 

How We Treat It:

  • Braces: Use of elastics and other appliances to shift teeth into proper alignment.
  • Invisalign: Custom aligners can gradually reposition teeth and reduce the overbite.
  • Bite Correctors: Additional devices may be used in severe cases.

Overjet (Protruding Front Teeth)

What is it?

An overjet, often mistaken for an overbite, refers to the upper front teeth protruding outward. This malocclusion can lead to difficulty closing the lips properly and increase the risk of dental trauma. Additionally, overjet can cause difficulty chewing and biting, jaw pain and headaches due to improper jaw alignment, speech issues such as a lisp, and self-consciousness about appearance. If left untreated, it may also contribute to uneven tooth wear and increased strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

 

How We Treat It:

  • Braces: Gradual movement of teeth to bring them into alignment.
  • Invisalign: Clear aligners can be effective for mild to moderate cases.
  • Orthodontic Appliances: In severe cases, additional appliances may be used.

Crossbite

What is it?

A "crossbite" malocclusion occurs when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth rather than outside. This can cause uneven wear on teeth, jaw discomfort, and even facial asymmetry if untreated. Upper front teeth are at high risk of being fractured when they are in crossbite.

 

How We Treat It:

  • Braces: Help align the bite correctly.
  • Invisalign: A good solution for mild crossbite cases.
  • Palatal Expanders: In growing children, an expander can widen the upper jaw to correct the bite.

Underbite

What is it?

An underbite malocclusion occurs when the lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper front teeth. This can result in difficulty chewing, speech problems, and excessive wear on teeth. Can be associated with TMJ problems if not corrected.

 

How We Treat It:

  • Braces: Gradual correction of misaligned teeth.
  • Invisalign: Can work for mild underbites, but more severe cases may require additional appliances.
  • Orthognathic Surgery: In extreme cases, surgery may be needed to reposition the jaw.

Deep Bite (Excessive Overbite)

What is it?

A deep bite is when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth, sometimes covering them entirely. This malocclusion can lead to gum damage, excessive wear, and jaw pain.

 

How We Treat It:

  • Braces: Use of elastics and bite correctors.
  • Invisalign: Custom aligners can reposition the teeth and reduce excessive bite depth.

Open Bite

What is it?

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a noticeable gap. This malocclusion can make biting and chewing difficult and may result from habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. This is often accompanied by speech issues. 

 

How We Treat It:

  • Braces: Help close the open space between teeth.
  • Invisalign: Can be effective for mild open bites.
  • Habit Correction: If caused by habits like thumb sucking, behavior modification is necessary.

Why Treat Malocclusions?

Ignoring bite problems can lead to:

  • Increased risk of cavities and gum disease: Misaligned teeth can create hard-to-reach areas where plaque and bacteria accumulate, increasing the likelihood of tooth decay and gum issues.
  • Excessive wear on teeth: An uneven bite can cause certain teeth to experience more pressure than others, leading to premature enamel erosion, fractures, or chipping.
  • Jaw pain and TMJ disorders: Bite misalignment can put undue stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), potentially resulting in chronic pain, clicking, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
  • Speech difficulties: Certain malocclusions, like overjet or open bite, can affect tongue placement and airflow, leading to issues with pronunciation, lisping, or difficulty articulating sounds clearly.
  • Lower self-confidence: A misaligned bite may impact the aesthetics of a person’s smile, leading to self-consciousness and a reluctance to smile or speak openly in social and professional settings.

At Aspen Orthodontics, we personalize every treatment to provide the best results for your unique smile!

Braces or Invisalign: Which Is Best for You?

Choosing between braces and Invisalign depends on your specific malocclusion, lifestyle, and treatment goals. Our experienced orthodontists will evaluate your bite and recommend the best solution.

  • Braces work best for severe cases, complex movements, and younger patients.
  • Invisalign is ideal for mild to moderate cases, adults, and those wanting a discreet option.

Learn more about the differences between Braces and Invisalign treatments here.

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