A malocclusion is a misalignment of teeth or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches. Most people have some degree of malocclusion, although it is not usually serious enough to require treatment. Those who have more severe malocclusions may require orthodontic and sometimes surgical treatment (orthognathic surgery) to correct the problem. Correction of malocclusion may reduce risk of tooth decay and help relieve excessive pressure on the temporomandibular joint.
Malocclusions may be coupled with skeletal disharmony of the face, where the relations between the upper and lower jaws are not appropriate. Such skeletal disharmonies often distort sufferer's face shape, severely affect aesthetics of the face and may be coupled with mastication or speech problems and hygiene. In these cases the dental problem is, most of the time, derived from the skeletal disharmony. Most skeletal malocclusions can only be treated by orthognathic surgery.
A routine check up with the dentist will reveal if you have Malocclusion. If it is detected, treatment is recommended from an orthodontist.
The disorder is classified as per Edward Angle classification. It is based on the relation between maxillary and mandibular first molars. According to the classification, mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar should rest on the mesiobuccal cusp of the lower first molar. Any variations in this would result in malocclusions.
Left and right sides are classified under different classes.
