What is malocclusion?
Malocclusion refers to any degree of irregular contact of the teeth of the upper jaw with the teeth of the lower jaw. This includes overbites, underbites, and crossbites, as well as crowding of the teeth. Your child’s orthodontist will decide whether your child’s bite will benefit from orthodontic treatment and recommend the appropriate steps to follow. It is important to evaluate and treat many malocclusions as they may cause problems with your child’s bite, gum tissue, jaw joint, speech development, and appearance. Orthodontists are specially trained dentists who specialize in the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws. Orthodontists also have specialized training in facial abnormalities and disorders of the jaw. A patient often consults an orthodontist after receiving a referral from his/her pediatric or general dentist. In some cases, a specialist in jaw surgery may need to be consulted.
