Malocclusion of teeth

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Prognathism

Teeth, adult - in the skull

Malocclusion of teeth

Dental anatomy

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Malocclusion of teeth

Alternative Names:

Crowded teeth; Misaligned teeth; Crossbite; Overbite; Underbite; Open bite

Symptoms:

Abnormal alignment of teeth
Abnormal appearance of the face
Difficulty or discomfort when biting or chewing
Speech difficulties (rare) including lisp
Mouth breathing (breathing through the mouth without closing the lips)

Signs and tests:

Most instances of malocclusion are discovered by the dentist during a routine examination. Occlusion is checked by pulling the cheek outward and having the person bite down normally, which tests the alignment of the back teeth. The dentist usually refers the person to an orthodontist for diagnosis and treatment.

Dental x-rays, head or skull x-rays, or facial x-rays may be required. Impressions (plaster or plastic molds of the teeth) are often needed.

Review Date: 8/12/2005
Reviewed By: Johanna Jacobs, D.D.S., General and Cosmetic Dentistry, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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