Malocclusion, according to orthodontic specialists, is a condition known as the irregularities in the teeth, jaws and teeth. It may also pertain to the irregularities in the face due to teeth misalignment. Almost 90% of school-aged children have certain degree of malocclusion but only about 10 to 15% of these children have malocclusion in severe forms and needs to be treated.
Malocclusions are commonly divided into three types. These types include Class I, Class II and Class III.
Class I refers to the normal relationship of the first molars, as well as, the normal relationship between the upper and lower jaws. However, in Class I the other teeth are either crowded, have irregular spacing or overlapped. In severe cases of Class I malocclusion, crossbites and rotations may occur.
Class II malocclusion refers to the incorrect position of the lower and upper molars. Here, the lower molars fit the upper molars but the bottom jaw grows into a more backward position than it normally would. Class II malocclusion causes the top teeth to protrude over the bottom teeth, which is commonly referred to as, buck teeth.
Class III malocclusion refers to a condition wherein the lower molars are too far forward and do not fit into the upper molars. Here, the lower jaws are protruding out beyond that of the upper teeth. Class III is considered by orthodontists to be the most complicated classification of malocclusion.
For correcting these three classes of malocclusion, orthodontists may either provide orthodontic appliances such as orthodontic headgear, or in some cases surgery. Cost for treatments may depend on how much work and customization needs to be done on the patient and the orthodontic appliance.
