Malocclusion: Causes, Symptoms, and Orthodontic Treatments

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Shaila Kabani on September 24, 2026

Pearly whites do more than just improve our physical appearance. The truth is, our teeth have a significant job in keeping our physical health in check too. One of the most common issues people are facing today is misaligned teeth.

When you have misaligned teeth, a person may experience difficulty performing daily oral functions, which could be detrimental to their health. Because of this, one should visit their cosmetic dentist right away to improve their oral conditions and prevent unhealthy oral conditions from occurring.

Today, we’ll dig a bit deeper into malocclusions—what they are, what causes them, the symptoms, and what orthodontic treatments you can consider. Let’s take a look!

What is Malocclusion?

Malocclusion is the clinical term for misaligned teeth. When you have malocclusions, it may lead to severe oral health complications, such as underbite, overbite, overcrowding, and crossbite. This condition can also make it challenging to perform oral functions, such as biting, chewing, and even speaking, affecting your overall well-being and physical health.

With that said, it’s crucial to speak to your cosmetic dentist about the possible orthodontic treatment you can get to help improve the alignment of your teeth and put them in the right positions to help enhance their functions.

What are the Different Classes of Malocclusions?

Class 1:

Class 1 malocclusions show an overlap of upper teeth over the lower teeth. This happens when an individual has experienced prolonged bottle use or thumb sucking during their childhood. However, this doesn’t affect their bit as much, and minor malocclusion treatment is helpful.

Class 2:

When you have class 2 malocclusions, your upper teeth are sticking out over your lower teeth, which could affect your bite significantly. Because of this, orthodontic intervention is required. You should know that, even with orthodontic treatment, the treatment may take a long time.

Class 3:

Class 3 malocclusions show that you have an underbite in the lower teeth, and it sticks out over the upper teeth. However, in some cases, it can also be a crossbite where your upper teeth and some lower teeth overlap with each other.

What Causes Malocclusions?

  • Tooth loss
  • Thumb sucking
  • Prolonged use of pacifier or bottle
  • Cleft lip and palate
  • Tumors in the mouth
  • Injuries and trauma
  • Impacted tooth
  • Poor oral care
  • Airway blocked by allergies or enlarged adenoids

What are the Symptoms of Malocclusion?

  • You have changed in the facial structure;
  • You frequently bite your tongue or cheek;
  • You have speech problems;
  • You have discomfort when chewing or biting;
  • You have misaligned teeth;

How Do I Treat Malocclusions?

When you reach out to your cosmetic dentist, here are some treatments that they may suggest, depending on the class of your malocclusion:

  • Braces are one of the most popular solutions and proven malocclusion treatments. This treatment helps straighten your teeth and jaw to help fix your smile and bite;
  • Removable Devices like retainers are another popular malocclusion treatment that is quite convenient. These custom-made devices maintain the alignment of your teeth after corrective treatments like braces, and the treatment will depend on the condition of your bite;
  • Invisalign can help treat different types of malocclusions and are completely removable. However, you should wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day. Invisalign works by exerting pressure on your teeth and jaw for proper alignment.

What is the most common type of malocclusion?

Class 1 malocclusion is the most common type. It occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth slightly, which is generally a mild condition that does not significantly affect bite function. Class 2 malocclusion, where the upper teeth protrude noticeably over the lower teeth, is the second most frequently diagnosed and often requires orthodontic intervention to correct properly.

Can malocclusion be corrected without braces?

Mild to moderate cases of malocclusion can often be treated with clear aligners like Invisalign rather than traditional braces. For more significant bite misalignments, particularly those involving jaw positioning, braces or a combination of orthodontic and dental treatment may produce better results. A consultation with a dentist who offers orthodontic services is the right first step to understand which option fits your specific case.

At what age should malocclusion be treated?

Malocclusion can be identified and treated at any age, but early treatment in childhood or adolescence is generally more effective because the jaw is still developing and more responsive to orthodontic guidance. Adults can also be successfully treated, though treatment timelines may be longer. There is no age at which correction becomes impossible, and many adults pursue treatment later in life with excellent outcomes.

Does malocclusion get worse over time if left untreated?

In many cases, yes. Untreated malocclusion can lead to uneven tooth wear, increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease in hard-to-clean areas, jaw discomfort, and speech difficulties. Missing teeth that are not replaced can also cause neighboring teeth to shift, potentially worsening an existing misalignment over time. Early evaluation and treatment, when recommended, can prevent these secondary complications from developing.

The Bottom Line: Speak to a Credible Cosmetic Dentist to Get the Results You Want

Malocclusions won’t only affect your appearance, but they can also negatively affect your oral and physical health. Because of this, if you’re noticing some symptoms, it’s best to speak to your cosmetic dentist right away and consider possible treatment to fix your smile and bite.

How Can Kabani Dental Help You?

If you’re looking for credible cosmetic dentists in Marietta, you’ve come to the right place.

Kabani Dental focuses on cosmetic, restorative, endodontics, periodontics, and implant dentistry, allowing patients to improve their physical appearance and oral health. Book an appointment with us today!

About the Author

Dr. Shaila Kabani

Kabani Dental, Marietta, GA

Dr. Shaila Kabani has been practicing dentistry since 2000 and has accumulated more than 300 hours of advanced clinical education. She and her team serve patients throughout Marietta, East Cobb, Vinings, and Smyrna, providing comprehensive general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care with a personalized approach at every appointment.