malocclusion
Teeth don't align
Malocclusion is the dental term for teeth that don't align properly when the jaw closes.
The condition ranges from minor cosmetic issues to severe misalignment that affects chewing, speaking, or jaw comfort.
Dentists classify malocclusions by type: overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite are common varieties.
The orthodontist recommended braces to correct her malocclusion.
The word combines the Latin prefix mal- (bad) with occlusion (closure or bite).
Excessive incisor overlap
- underbiteLower jaw extends past upper
- crossbiteLateral jaw misalignment
- overjetForward upper tooth projection
- crowdingExcessive gathering in limited space
spacing · protrusion · impaction · anterior · posterior · skeletal · dental · functional
Improper positioning relative to reference
- crowdedFilled beyond comfort
- crookedBent or dishonest
- unevenNot smooth or balanced
- grindingMolar action sometimes
bruxism · clicking · pain · headache · wear · breathing · snoring · lisping
Dental alignment devices
- alignersDevices that straighten teeth
- InvisalignTransparent removable orthodontic system
- retainerUpfront professional fee
- orthodontistDental specialist for alignment
brackets · wires · headgear · elastics · adjustment · straightening · treatment · correction
overbite
Excessive incisor overlap
- underbiteLower jaw extends past upper
- crossbiteLateral jaw misalignment
- overjetForward upper tooth projection
crowding · spacing · protrusion · impaction · anterior · posterior · skeletal · dental · functional · asymmetric
misalignment
Improper positioning relative to reference
grinding · bruxism · clicking · pain · headache · wear · breathing · snoring · lisping
braces
Dental alignment devices
- alignersDevices that straighten teeth
- InvisalignTransparent removable orthodontic system
- retainerUpfront professional fee
orthodontist · brackets · wires · headgear · elastics · adjustment · straightening · treatment · correction · ceramic
bite
Pierce with teeth
- occlusalOf biting surfaces
- contactCommunication or physical touch
- articulationClear vocal expression
centric · teeth · molars · premolars · incisors · canines · cusps · alignment
mandible
Lower facial bone
- maxillaUpper jaw bone
- temporomandibularOf the jaw hinge
- TMJJaw-skull connection, abbreviated
condyle · joint · mandibular · maxillary · asymmetry · profile · facial · disc
- dentistrydentist, teeth, tooth, dentists, dental care
- dental problemsmissing teeth, cavities, tooth decay, overbite, underbite
- bite problemsoverbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, overjet
- jaw disordersjaw pain, jaw clenching, TMJ, TMJ disorder, jaw fracture
- occlusionocclusal, bite, overbite, underbite, crossbite
- dental caretoothbrush, toothpaste, floss, dental floss, brushing