What You Need to Know About Malocclusion: Types, Causes, and Treatment

TLDR

Malocclusion, or “bad bite,” occurs when teeth or jaws don’t line up well, leading to chewing, speech, and oral health problems. At Marshville Family Dentistry, Dr. Tran offers Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments in Marshville, NC, to correct misalignment and improve long-term oral health.

Table of Contents

Malocclusion, commonly called a “bad bite,” happens when the teeth or jaws don’t align properly. It can range from mild teeth crowding to severe jaw misalignment. Knowing the different types, what causes them, and how to fix malocclusion is key to protecting long-term oral health and preventing complications.

At Marshville Family Dentistry, we offer Invisalign in Marshville, NC, to address malocclusion and TMJ issues. Our Invisalign treatments provide a discreet alternative to traditional braces, as they are removable for eating and oral hygiene.

Our dentist in Marshville, Dr. Tran, specializes in providing solutions for misaligned teeth. He will educate you on the causes of malocclusion and the appropriate orthodontic treatment. When you schedule an appointment with us, you’re stepping towards perfect oral health.

What is Malocclusion?

Malocclusion is a dental condition where the teeth or jaws are not aligned correctly, leading to an improper bite. This can cause difficulties with chewing, speaking, and maintaining proper oral hygiene, as misaligned teeth are more complicated to clean and more prone to cavities and gum disease.

Common symptoms of malocclusion include jaw pain, difficulty biting or chewing, biting of the tongue, and changes in facial appearance due to jaw misalignment. There may be uneven wear on teeth, crowding, and gaps.

3 Types of Malocclusion

Malocclusion can appear in different ways, but three of the most common types are overlapping teeth, overbites, and underbites.

Overlapping Teeth

Overlapping teeth occur when there isn’t enough space in the jaw, causing teeth to crowd and sit on each other. This makes cleaning difficult and increases the risk of gum disease.

Overbite

An overbite happens when the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth. Severe overbites can lead to speech problems, jaw pain, and uneven wear on teeth.

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth. This malocclusion can affect chewing, cause jaw discomfort, and alter facial appearance if left untreated.

Common Causes for Malocclusion

Malocclusion can affect people of any age and develop from genetics and other factors, including lifestyle habits or physical conditions. Common causes of malocclusion include:

Genetics that influence jaw size and tooth alignment
Prolonged habits like thumb sucking
Mouth breathing is linked to allergies or airway issues
Early tooth loss or irregular eruption of permanent teeth
Trauma or injury that shifts teeth or alters jaw position

Why Invisalign is used for Treating Malocclusion in Marshville, NC

Invisalign for Treating Malocclusion in Adults and Orthodontic Treatments in Marshville, NC

Invisalign is a modern solution for adults with malocclusion, offering an alternative to metal braces. At Marshville Family Dentistry, we offer Invisalign in Marshville to help move misaligned teeth into proper alignment, addressing issues like crowding, gaps, overbites, and underbites.

Our orthodontic treatments go beyond Invisalign, with options including other corrective methods depending on the severity of the bite problem. We provide personalized treatment plans to restore proper alignment, improve function, and enhance your oral health. Contact us to schedule an appointment!

Key Takeaways

Malocclusion is a misalignment of the teeth or jaws that can cause functional and cosmetic issues.
Symptoms include jaw pain, difficulty chewing, tongue biting, and uneven tooth wear.
Common types of malocclusion include overlapping teeth, overbites, and underbites.
Causes range from genetics and habits like thumb sucking to mouth breathing, early tooth loss, and trauma.
Invisalign is a discreet treatment option using removable aligners to gradually move teeth into alignment.
Orthodontic treatments in Marshville, NC, include Invisalign, braces, and other personalized solutions depending on severity.
Dr. Tran and the team at Marshville Family Dentistry specialize in treating malocclusion and TMJ issues with modern, patient-focused care.