Malocclusion

Malocclusion is a misalignment of the teeth or jaws that disrupts the normal fit of the upper and lower teeth when the mouth closes.

Occlusion (dentistry): Occlusion is the contact relationship between the upper and lower teeth when the jaws close. Malocclusion describes a departure from the normal tooth contact this concept defines.
Dental crowding: Dental crowding occurs when there is insufficient arch space for teeth to align normally. It is a common malocclusion caused by a mismatch between tooth size and available space.
Orthodontics: Orthodontics is the dental specialty concerned with diagnosing and correcting irregularities of the teeth and jaws. It provides the main clinical methods for correcting malocclusion.
Mastication: Mastication is the process of breaking down food by chewing. Some malocclusions interfere with efficient contact and chewing.
Dental arch: A dental arch is the curved arrangement of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Crowding and spacing arise when tooth size and arch space do not match.
Open bite: An open bite is a condition in which some upper and lower teeth do not meet when the jaws close. It illustrates a vertical failure of normal tooth contact.
Orthodontic diagnosis: Orthodontic diagnosis evaluates tooth positions, jaw relationships, facial growth, and treatment needs. Treatment planning begins by identifying the type and severity of the bite problem.
Temporomandibular disorders: Temporomandibular disorders are conditions affecting the jaw joints, chewing muscles, or related structures. They are often discussed alongside malocclusion, though a direct causal link is not established for most cases.
Maxilla: The maxilla is the paired bone forming the upper jaw and part of the face. Its position helps determine how the upper teeth relate to the lower teeth.
Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the corresponding lower teeth. It is a transverse form of malocclusion involving reversed tooth relationships.

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