Dental Malocclusion in Midland, MI

Dental malocclusion is identified as a misalignment in your bite and mismatched jaws that occur when your top and bottom rows of teeth do not match up. This can result in overcrowding, crooked teeth, and/or bite problems (underbite, overbite, crossbite). Dental malocclusion is split into three different grades.

• Class I is the most prevalent and appears when the top row of teeth overlap the bottom teeth.
• In class II, the upper jaw and teeth severely overlap the bottom jaw and teeth.
• Class III occurs when the lower jaw extends out, causing it to overlap the upper jaw and teeth.

Although malocclusion is generally genetic, it can also be exacerbated by trauma, thumb-sucking, or teeth grinding. If not properly treated, dental malocclusion can lead to TMD, gum disease, and sleep disorders. Dr. Edward Knight of Knight Dental Care is highly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of malocclusions and has years of experience helping Midland, MI area individuals with bite conditions.

There are a variety of treatment solutions that could be possible for malocclusion, depending on the form and seriousness of your disorder. In the majority of circumstances, therapy will involve orthodontics, such as braces, to address your unique condition. It is common for children, teenagers, and adults to all have treatment for malocclusion. If you have chipped or broken teeth and difficulty chewing because of an underbite, overbite, or crossbite, you may also benefit from treatment.

In general, the recommended treatment for malocclusion is normally some form of orthodontics. This could include braces, retainers, or clear teeth aligners. In the case you have severe overcrowding of your teeth, you may need to have a few teeth removed before obtaining further therapy. If the jaw is severely misaligned, Dr. Knight might recommend surgery to correctly reposition it, as well as to address deformities.

What are the most common types of dental malocclusions?

• Overbite — top teeth extend out past the lower teeth
• Underbite — lower teeth stick out over the upper teeth (bulldog bite)
• Open bite — front teeth do not meet when the jaws are closed, or your teeth do not meet
• Crossbite — the top teeth sit behind the bottom teeth when the jaw is closed

What causes dental malocclusion?

Genetics plays the most prominent role in whether or not someone has a dental malocclusion. However, other factors in early childhood can affect how the teeth grow, including thumb sucking and tongue thrusting when speaking or swallowing.

How common are dental malocclusions?

About 53% of adults in the U.S. have some type of dental malocclusion. While some malocclusions don't require any treatment at all, others can be easily corrected with braces, dental appliances, or surgery if necessary.

Underbites, overbites, and crossbites (known as dental malocclusions) can cause physical and emotional discomfort and can create even more significant issues if they are left untreated. At Knight Dental Care, we strive to find and address malocclusion to provide you with a straighter and more comfortable smile. Call our Midland, MI office to schedule a consultation, or if you have any questions about cost and insurance, and reach your goal of straightening your smile.