What is malocclusion?
Malocclusion is a misalignment of the teeth or incorrect bite where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed.
When teeth do not fit together correctly when you bite down, you have malocclusion. This means the relationship between your upper and lower teeth is off-center or crowded, often resulting in gaps, overlaps, or a bite that does not align from front to back. Malocclusion ranges from mild cosmetic concerns to issues that affect chewing, speech, and jaw function.
Orthodontists and general dentists use a standard classification system to diagnose and communicate about malocclusion. The three main classes are:
- Class I: The molar relationship is correct, but the front teeth may be crowded, spaced, or tilted.
- Class II: The lower jaw sits back relative to the upper jaw, often creating an overbite where upper front teeth extend too far forward over the lower ones.
- Class III: The lower jaw sits forward relative to the upper jaw, resulting in an underbite where lower front teeth protrude ahead of the upper ones.
Malocclusion can develop from genetics, missing or extra teeth, jaw growth imbalances, prolonged thumb-sucking, or mouth breathing. While some cases cause no functional problems, others may lead to uneven wear, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) stress, or difficulty cleaning between teeth. Finding an orthodontist in Kuala Lumpur allows you to assess whether treatment is needed for your specific bite pattern.