Malocclusion Classes<\/h2>\n
One way different types of malocclusions are tracked is through classes. There are three classes of malocclusion, and they describe different types and severities:<\/p>\n
Class 1 Malocclusion<\/h3>\n
The most common type of malocclusion, a class one is described by upper teeth overlapping the bottom teeth. To remain a class one, the bite needs to be normal and the overlap needs to be minimal. Not all class one malocclusions need treatment, and sometimes they\u2019re more of an aesthetic issue than one that impacts eating or speech.<\/p>\n
Class 2 Malocclusion<\/h3>\n
If the patient\u2019s upper teeth and jaw extend past the lower teeth or jaw more significantly, it may be classified as a class two malocclusion. At this point, orthodontic treatment is recommended. The earlier a class two is treated, the better your chances are to avoid bone or tooth development issues associated with malocclusions.<\/p>\n
Class 3 Malocclusion<\/h3>\n
Less common than class one or two, a class three type of malocclusion involves a significant underbite. Functionally, a class three malocclusion will affect speech, chewing and the development of the jawbone or teeth. Like class two, a class three malocclusion is highly recommended for orthodontic treatment \u2013 regardless of age.<\/a><\/p>\n This term applies to occlusion where the upper front teeth overlap the bottom teeth. Small overbites are common, and often can be left untreated. However, moderate to severe overbites can cause the lower teeth to actually bite into the roof of the mouth, or the upper teeth to bite into the lower gums. In either of these situations, the overbite should be treated to avoid complications.<\/p>\n If an overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth, an underbite is \u2013 as you probably guessed \u2013 when the lower teeth overlap the uppers. While overbites are somewhat common, underbites aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n For people with underbites, the most common concern is aesthetic. An underbite can extend the chin in a way some might find unappealing. However, underbites, like many types of malocclusion, make it harder to chew, swallow or speak.<\/p>\n Unlike overbites or underbites, which are focused on the front teeth, crossbites refer to overlaps in the rest of your teeth. Sometimes crossbites are dominant to one side but can affect both at the same time. A crossbite can range from just the middle-to-rear teeth or include your front teeth too.<\/p>\n The main complications associated with crossbites are excessive tooth or gum wear and chewing. Depending on the severity of the crossbite, it can also lead to more extreme issues with jaw development.<\/p>\n Also referred to as dental crowding or just crowding, overcrowding is a type of malocclusion caused by too little space for teeth to properly fit in the mouth<\/a>. When this happens, the teeth erupt and adjust into crooked positions or overlap.<\/p>\n Overcrowding is one of the most common types of malocclusion that lead a patient to an orthodontist. It causes several issues, which is why orthodontists typically recommend treatment:<\/p>\n When teeth are overcrowded, they create traps for food and plaque that are nearly impossible to keep clean. Bacteria in your mouth leads to enamel erosion, decay and potential tooth loss.<\/p>\n Similar to overbites, overjets are when your upper teeth rest past your lower teeth but don\u2019t make contact. In overbite scenarios, the teeth tend to angle in and press against the lower front teeth or gums, but overjet teeth will simply hang above them.<\/p>\n While this may sound like less of a problem, it\u2019s actually a major health risk. Overjet teeth are at greater risk for damage from impacts or accidents. They cause more significant problems for chewing and speaking as well.<\/p>\n A smaller, but readily noticeable type of malocclusion is when the upper front teeth have a significant space between them. This is known as a diastema. They can happen to your teeth just as a natural result of growth, but often form through bad health habits<\/a> like thumb sucking or \u201ctongue thrust.\u201d This is when the tongue is pressed against the teeth when swallowing, which can happen to older children or even adults.<\/p>\n Treatment isn\u2019t necessary for diastema \u2013 as it\u2019s primarily an aesthetic issue \u2013 though it\u2019s commonly treated with braces. However, the underlying causes of diastema can be a concern for your dentist or orthodontist. If it didn\u2019t form as you were going through growth spurts, it\u2019s likely that bad dental habits or gum disease are the root causes.<\/p>\n Often confused with diastema, spacing concerns your whole set of teeth, versus just the front teeth. However, the causes of spacing can be similar:<\/p>\n If you have spacing, it increases the chances of developing decay between the teeth and leaves your gums more exposed to bacteria. More commonly, it\u2019s considered an aesthetic issue that children or adults would like corrected.<\/p>\n As the name implies, an open bite is a type of malocclusion where the teeth, when at rest, leave an open space directly into the mouth. Typically, the rear molars make contact, but the front teeth angle outward, leaving a gap.<\/p>\n Functionally, an open bite causes difficulty with eating and speech. Speech impediments like a lisp are more common with orthodontic issues like this. Additionally, the rear teeth being the only teeth that make contact can cause them to experience uneven wear versus your front teeth. This leaves the rear teeth more vulnerable to long-term damage and fractures.<\/p>\n If you have any type of malocclusion, an orthodontist will be able to help. Orthodontic treatment is different for every patient, from the time it takes to complete to the types of treatment appliances used. Here are the types of treatment options available, with most types of malocclusion allowing for some choice in which appliances can help.<\/p>\n Just remember \u2013 while you may have a preference, your orthodontist may recommend or require one type of appliance versus another. No matter which appliance you end up using, the end goal will be a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile that you can enjoy for a lifetime!<\/p>\n Leaving malocclusions untreated can result in serious oral, functional, and even overall health issues. Misaligned teeth and improper bite patterns can affect how the tongue interacts with the teeth when forming sounds. For children, untreated malocclusion can delay speech development, which may require speech therapy in addition to orthodontic correction.<\/p>\n The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull, enabling chewing, speaking, and yawning. If left unaddressed, TMJ pain can worsen over time, significantly affecting daily activities and overall well-being.<\/p>\n Teeth are meant to come together evenly when chewing or biting. Misaligned teeth can lead to uneven pressure, causing:<\/p>\n Over time, untreated malocclusion can weaken tooth structures, necessitating expensive restorative treatments like crowns or veneers.<\/p>\n Crooked or crowded teeth make it harder to maintain proper oral hygiene. Untreated gum disease can also impact overall health. Studies show that chronic oral inflammation is linked to conditions like heart disease<\/strong>, diabetes<\/strong>, and respiratory infections<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Malocclusion can impair the ability to properly chew food, which is essential for digestion. Poor chewing habits can lead to:<\/p>\n For example, individuals with a severe underbite<\/strong> or crossbite may avoid harder foods altogether, limiting their diet and nutritional intake.<\/p>\n In children, untreated malocclusion can hinder proper jaw growth. Misalignment may result in:<\/p>\n Addressing malocclusion during developmental years prevents long-term skeletal issues that are harder to correct in adulthood.<\/p>\n Do you have questions about how to best take care of your braces? We can answer your questions to keep your teeth and gums healthy \u2013 schedule a free consultation!\u00a0Contact us online<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0440-842-8015<\/a><\/p>\n Stay connected with Doctor Andy on Social Media!<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n 1. How long does malocclusion treatment take?<\/strong> 2. Are clear aligners as effective as traditional braces?<\/strong> 3. Does insurance cover malocclusion treatment?<\/strong> No two sets of teeth are the same. That goes for \u201cperfect\u201d smiles or those with misalignments. The types of malocclusions and severity range the gamut from insignificant to debilitating. If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with a malocclusion, you may be wondering exactly what that means. Read on to learn about types of malocclusion often treated… Common Types of Malocclusion<\/h2>\n
Overbite<\/h3>\n
Underbite<\/h3>\n
Crossbite<\/h3>\n
Overcrowding<\/h3>\n
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Overjet<\/h3>\n
Diastema<\/h3>\n
Spacing<\/h3>\n
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Open Bite<\/h3>\n
Treatment Options for All Types of Malocclusion<\/h2>\n
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Potential Complications if Untreated<\/h2>\n
The long-term effects can impact not only your teeth and jaw but also your quality of life.<\/p>\nSpeech Problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Common speech issues include:<\/p>\n\n
TMJ Pain and Dysfunction<\/strong><\/h3>\n
An improper bite<\/strong> can overstrain this joint, leading to:<\/p>\n\n
Excessive Tooth Wear<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Gum Disease and Tooth Decay<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Areas that are difficult to clean allow plaque and bacteria to build up, leading to:<\/p>\n\n
Chewing and Digestive Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Jaw Development Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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![\"AND](\"https:\/\/www.skororthodontics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/AND-CTA-1.jpg\")
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<\/a>Schedule a Free Consultation<\/h2>\nFAQs about Malocclusions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treatment timelines vary but typically range from 12 to 24 months, depending on the severity of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, clear aligners like Invisalign can treat mild to moderate malocclusions effectively, but severe cases may still require traditional braces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost for medically necessary orthodontic treatment. Check with your provider for specifics.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
![<\/a>Schedule a Free Consultation<\/h2>\nDo you have questions about how to best take care of your braces? We can answer your questions to keep your teeth and gums healthy \u2013 schedule a free consultation!\u00a0Contact us online<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0440-842-8015<\/a><\/p>\nStay connected with Doctor Andy on Social Media!<\/p>\nFacebook<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n\n\nFAQs about Malocclusions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. How long does malocclusion treatment take?<\/strong>Treatment timelines vary but typically range from 12 to 24 months, depending on the severity of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Are clear aligners as effective as traditional braces?<\/strong>Yes, clear aligners like Invisalign can treat mild to moderate malocclusions effectively, but severe cases may still require traditional braces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Does insurance cover malocclusion treatment?<\/strong>Most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost for medically necessary orthodontic treatment. Check with your provider for specifics.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"No two sets of teeth are the same. That goes for \u201cperfect\u201d smiles or those with misalignments. The types of malocclusions and severity range the gamut from insignificant to debilitating. If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with a malocclusion, you may be wondering exactly what that means. Read on to learn about types of malocclusion often treated…](\"https:\/\/www.skororthodontics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/AND-CTA-3-e1508773526472.jpg\"){kind=link}