Types of Problems or "Malocclusions"

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Types of Problems

Types of Problems or "Malocclusions"

Class I

The jaws line up correctly, but the teeth are turned, spaced, crooked or crowded

Class II

The upper jaw is too far in front, or the lower is too far back. It´s also called "overbite"

Class III

The lower jaw is too far in front, or the upper jaw is too far back. It´s also called "underbite"

Open Bite

When you bite down with your back teeth, your front teeth stay open

Closed Bite

When you bite down, your upper teeth cover the lower teeth. Sometimes the lower teeth hit the gum tissue behind the upper teeth

Cross Bite

When you bite down, some upper teeth close inside of the lower teeth

Most bad bites are inherited. Examples of these genetic problems are:

Teeth that protrude
Extra teeth
Missing teeth
Crowding
Spacing
Uneven jaw growth

Other malocclusions are acquired. In other words, they develop over time. These can have a variety of causes, including:

Thumbsucking or other oral habits
Dental disease
Baby teeth that are lost too early or too late
Accidents.

Illustrations from Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers & California Association of Orthodontics

- Crowding

- Teeth that protrude