The Classes Of Malocclusion In Orthodontics
The technical term for orthodontic dental and facial irregularities is malocclusion, which literally means ‘bad bite.’ Malocclusion involves the misalignment of the teeth and jaws and/or an incorrect relationship between the upper and lower dental arches. Malocclusion can be dental, where the teeth aren’t lined up properly and skeletal, which occurs when the upper and lower jaws do not line up correctly. The way the teeth fit together is extremely important in how well teeth work and can affect appearance and self-esteem and the health of the teeth, digestion, and overall health. Because of the pressure the jaws can put on the teeth, misaligned teeth can also cause chronic pain and soreness. The most common causes of malocclusion are too much or not enough room in the jaw (or jaws) for the teeth. The father of modern orthodontics, Edward Hartley Angle, created the classifications of malocclusion, based on the placement of the first molars.
