Types of Malocclusions

Crowding occurs when the size and number of teeth exceed the available space in the supporting bone, resulting in overlapping teeth.

・Teeth overlap each other.　　　　　　　　　 ・The bite is not properly aligned. 　　　　　　　　　 ・Canines often erupt higher than the other teeth. 　　　　　・There is an imbalance between the size of the teeth and the 　size of the jaws. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 ・Dental hygiene becomes more difficult due to the lack of 　　space.

Prognathism is a condition in which the lower front teeth or the lower jaw extend forward of the upper front teeth (maxilla). This condition is also classified as a Class III malocclusion.

・Lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. 　　　　　　 ・Causes may include an oversized lower jaw compared to the 　upper jaw, a small upper jaw, or a combination of both. 　　　・This condition makes chewing food correctly very difficult. 　・Lack of lip seal may interfere with the pronunciation of 　　　certain words.

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively when the mouth is closed. It is also known as a closed bite or deep bite.

・The upper teeth cover more than 50% of the lower teeth. ・One possible cause is the larger size of the maxillary 　　　bone compared to the mandibular bone.　　　　　　　　・This condition significantly impairs the ability to chew 　　properly.

An open bite is a malocclusion in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet. In an anterior open bite, the front teeth do not touch even when the back teeth are closed together.

・When the upper and lower teeth are closed, a noticeable 　　　space remains between them.　　　　　　　　　　　 ・Certain foods, such as pasta or corn on the cob, are difficult 　to chew. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 ・The tongue tends to push forward frequently.　　　　　　 ・Thumb sucking or mouth breathing are common habits 　　　associated with this type of malocclusion.　　　　　　　　　・Difficulty pronouncing certain words can occur because the 　lips do not close properly.

When teeth are excessively inclined forward, they appear to stick out more than is considered esthetically ideal. This can occur in both dental arches or only the upper.

・Upper teeth are positioned significantly ahead of the lower 　　teeth. 　　　　　 ・Also known as maxillary protrusion. 　　　　　　 ・May make it difficult to fully close the mouth, and when 　　　smiling, the front teeth are very prominent. 　　　　　　　　 ・Because the teeth are too far forward, they can make the 　　mouth more prone to bacteria. ・Many people with protrusion tend to breathe through the 　　mouth rather than the nose.