Types of Malocclusion Found in Children and Adults

We should start protecting our children’s teeth early.

In the last blog post we talked about how children need to be checked for malocclusion. At Columbia Orthodontics, every day we see how treatment is not just to improve smiles, but also to improve speech, make the teeth easier to clean and maintain, and lower the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Early treatment of malocclusion during childhood can lessen expensive treatment later on.

Malocclusion includes various classifications of misalignment issues, including twisting or rotation of the teeth and molars that do not meet when you bite down. In some cases, the top front teeth are pushed outward in an upper protrusion.

In other cases, a misplaced midline results when the front top teeth don’t meet with the front bottom teeth. Transposition occurs when teeth protrude through the gums in a position where another tooth is supposed to be.

Any type of crowding or spacing is included under the umbrella of malocclusion, including:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Open bite
• Crossbite
• Rotation or twisting of the teeth

Dr. Croft has dealt with all of these issues and is prepared to find the right treatment for your or your child.

Come in, call, or click here to make an appointment online. 360-883-3800.