What Is Malocclusion?
When the upper and lower dental arches come together, malocclusion is when the teeth don’t line up correctly or don’t fit together correctly. This is also known as a “bad bite.” It happens when teeth aren’t lined up properly, teeth are too close together, or there are problems with the jaw’s structure that can make it hard to bite, chew, or look your best. At Weeks Orthodontics in Winter Springs and Oviedo, FL, malocclusion is one of the most common conditions Dr. Travis A. Weeks and Dr. Shadiya Hasan treat — and the good news is that modern orthodontics has more tools than ever to correct it.
Types of Malocclusion
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) classifies malocclusion into three main categories based on how the upper and lower jaws relate to each other:
Class I Malocclusion
The jaw relationship is normal, but individual teeth are misaligned — crowded, rotated, or spaced. This is the most common type and is often treated with braces or Invisalign®.
Class II Malocclusion (Overbite)
The upper jaw and teeth a lot overlap the lower jaw — commonly called an overbite or “buck teeth.” According to the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, Class II malocclusion affects about 15–20% of the population. Treatment usually includes braces, growth modification appliances for children, or surgery in severe adult cases.
Class III Malocclusion (Underbite)
The lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper, causing the bottom teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth. Underbites often need early intervention in children when the jaw is still growing. In adults, corrective jaw surgery may be needed in combination with orthodontic treatment.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth — either in the front (anterior crossbite) or on the sides (posterior crossbite). Left untreated, crossbites can lead to uneven jaw growth, worn enamel, and asymmetrical facial development. The AAO recommends evaluating crossbites as early as age 7.
Open Bite
An open bite means the upper and lower front teeth don’t make contact when the mouth is closed, leaving a visible gap. Open bites are frequently linked to thumb-sucking habits, tongue thrusting, or prolonged pacifier use in children. They can affect speech, chewing, and overall oral function.
What Causes Malocclusion?
Malocclusion can be inherited or developed over time. Common causes include:
- Genetics — jaw size and tooth size are largely hereditary
- Childhood habits — thumb-sucking, pacifier use past age 3, or tongue thrusting
- Premature tooth loss — losing baby teeth too early can allow surrounding teeth to shift
- Extra or impacted teeth — extra teeth or teeth that don’t fully erupt can crowd the arch
- Jaw injuries — trauma to the face or jaw can alter bite alignment
- Poor dental work — ill-fitting crowns, fillings, or bridges can shift adjacent teeth
How We Treat Malocclusion at Weeks Orthodontics
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the malocclusion. At our Winter Springs and Oviedo offices, Dr. Travis A. Weeks and Dr. Shadiya Hasan evaluate each patient with iTero® 3D digital scanning and digital X-rays before recommending a treatment plan.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces remain the gold standard for treating moderate to severe malocclusion. They apply continuous pressure to move teeth into correct alignment and can address complex bite issues including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites simultaneously.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign®)
Invisalign® uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to gradually reposition teeth. Invisalign® is effective for mild to moderate malocclusion in teens and adults. Align Technology’s SmartTrack® material and ClinCheck® software allow precise treatment planning for each case.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work like metal braces but use tooth-colored brackets for a discreet appearance. They are a popular choice for adults who want the effectiveness of braces without the metallic look.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
For children with developing malocclusion, Phase 1 treatment (interceptive orthodontics) between ages 7–10 can guide jaw growth and reduce the complexity of later treatment. The AAO recommends a first evaluation by age 7 — even if no treatment is needed right away.
When to See an Orthodontist for a Bad Bite
Whether you’re in Altamonte Springs, Sanford, Longwood, or Chuluota — if you notice difficulty chewing or biting, speech issues, chronic jaw pain, or visible misalignment in your child’s teeth, don’t wait. Early evaluation allows us to catch problems when they’re easiest — and least expensive — to treat. Schedule a free consultation at Weeks Orthodontics in Winter Springs or Oviedo. Call (407) 327-7737 today.
