A malocclusion is a misalignment of teeth and/or in correct relation between the teeth of the two dental arches.

The upper arch is called the maxilla and the lower is called the mandible.

Genetic

Environmental

Thumb sucking

Mouth breathing

Lip biting

Tongue thrust

Malocclusions can be divided mainly into three types, depending on the sagittal relations of teeth and jaws, by Angle’s classification method.

The classification depends on the first molars relations the upper and lower molars.

It is based on the mesial buccal cusp of the upper first molar and the buccal groove of the lower first molar.

According to Angle, the mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar should rest on the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar. Any variations from this resulted in malocclusion types.

Class I: Here the molar relationship of the occlusion is normal, meaning that the mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar occlude on the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar. but the other teeth have problems like spacing, crowding, over or under eruption, etc.

Class I: with severe crowding and labially erupted canines

Class II: Here the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar occlude anterior to the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar. With or without other teeth problems like spacing, crowding, over or under eruption, etc.

There are two subtypes

Class II Division 1: The molar relationships are like that of Class II and the anterior teeth are protruded.

Class II Division 2: The molar relationships are class II but the central are retroclined and the lateral teeth are seen overlapping the centrals.

Class III: (negative over jet“ /anterior crossbite):Here the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar occlude posterior to the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar. With or without other teeth problems like spacing, crowding, over or under eruption, etc.

is when the lower front teeth are more prominent than the upper front teeth. In this case the patient has very often a large mandible or a short maxillary bone.

Crowding of teeth

Crowding of teeth is where there is insufficient room for the normal complement of adult teeth. It is the most common reason for orthodontic rx among adults.

IS where front teeth don’t overlap the lower anterior teeth known as anterior open bite.

Also called hypodontia

Can occur as a result of teeth not developing proparly of through trauma.

Is one that’s unable to erupt through the gum normally

Is a space between two teeth, usually front teeth.

Refers to space between two or more teeth

Is when Anterior upper teeth occlude posterior to anterior lower teeth.

Is when the upper molar bite inside the lower molars.

Can affect one or both sides.

This occurs when the anterior upper teeth bite down onto gums of the lower teeth.

Treatment

Teeth slicing

Orthodontic appliances: removal/fixed.

tooth extraction,

Jaw growth modification in children or

jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) in adults.