Malocclusions are also called “bad bites.” They are misalignments with your teeth and jaw. Bad bites can be caused by a number of issues: oral accidents, the environment, genetics, bad habits, improper oral hygiene, or a host of other things.
Malocclusion types are differentiated as malocclusions of the front teeth, and malocclusions of any other part of the mouth. Here are some common malocclusions of each category:
Malocclusions of the front teeth:
-Underbite: Your lower front teeth protrude past your upper front teeth. This can also be referred to as “bulldog teeth.”
-Overbite: Your upper teeth protrude past your lower teeth; sometimes called “buck teeth.”
-Open Bite: When biting down, your upper and lower incisors fail to connect.
-Misplaced midline: Your upper and lower front teeth don’t line up.
Other forms of malocclusion:
-Crossbite: Your lower jawbone sticks out past your upper jawbone.
-Transposition Malocclusion: Your teeth come in above the gum line, but in the wrong spaces.
-Rotation Malocclusion: Your teeth slip and slide out of their proper alignment.
-Spacing Malocclusions: This refers to irregular gaps in your mouth, overcrowded teeth, or large gaps between teeth.
If you suspect a malocclusion, talk to Dr. Wendy Chen. Our orthodontics team will discuss possible treatment plans with you. To schedule an oral exam with our team at our orthodontic office in Colleyville, Texas, please contact us at 817-581-4031. We look forward to helping you soon!