WHAT IS DENTAL MALOCCLUSION AND HOW CAN IT AFFECT YOU?

WHAT IS DENTAL MALOCCLUSION AND HOW CAN IT AFFECT YOU?

3 min readApril 7, 2026

Dental malocclusion is an alteration in the way upper and lower teeth fit together when closing the mouth.

What is dental malocclusion?

Dental malocclusion is an alteration in the way upper and lower teeth fit together when closing the mouth. In other words, the bite is not correct.

It can be caused by different factors:
• Hereditary factors
• Premature tooth loss
• Habits like thumb sucking in childhood
• Prolonged use of pacifier or bottle
• Problems in jaw development

When the bite is not properly aligned, an imbalance is generated in the masticatory function.

Most common types of malocclusion

There are different types, but the most frequent are:

Open bite
The upper and lower teeth do not touch when closing the mouth.

Crossbite
Some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.

Deep bite
The upper teeth excessively cover the lower teeth.

Dental crowding
Lack of space that causes twisted or overlapping teeth.

Each case requires a personalized evaluation to determine the appropriate treatment.

How can malocclusion affect you?

Although it may initially seem like just an aesthetic detail, untreated malocclusion can generate:
• Difficulty chewing properly
• Irregular wear of teeth
• Pain in jaw or joint (TMJ)
• Frequent headaches
• Greater accumulation of bacterial plaque
• Gum problems
• Alterations in pronunciation

Additionally, an incorrect bite can affect facial harmony and the confidence to smile.

Can malocclusion be corrected?

Yes. Currently there are different treatment options depending on age and the degree of the problem:
• Orthodontics with braces
• Aesthetic orthodontics
• Clear aligners
• In some cases, combined treatment with other specialties

Timely diagnosis allows planning treatment more efficiently and with better results.

When is it recommended to get evaluated?

A first orthodontic evaluation is recommended from childhood, but adults can also correct their bite without problems.

Don't wait for pain or severe wear to appear. Detecting it in time avoids major complications.

Schedule your evaluation at ORÉ Dental Clinic and receive quality care accompanied by modern technology to improve the function and aesthetics of your smile.

Ready to transform your smile?

Book a consultation today