What is Dental Occlusion?

Dental occlusion is your bite and how your top teeth and bottom teeth come together. Your dental occlusion is determined by a few different factors, including the shape and size of both the jaw and the teeth themselves. Oral habits, genetics, ill-fitting dentistry, grinding, and more can all affect your dental occlusion. Keep reading to learn what the three main types of dental occlusions are!

Class 1 Malocclusion

Most people with braces have a class 1 malocclusion. Someone with this type of malocclusion has a decently aligned jaw and the negative aspects of their bite are usually due to the teeth themselves. The teeth could be crowded, crooked, or gapped which has created a malocclusion. Braces are usually very effective at treating this kind of occlusion. 

Class 2 Malocclusion – The Overbite

Overbites are the result of a smaller lower jaw than the upper jaw which causes the front teeth to overlap the bottom. To treat this kind of occlusion a dentist has to create a plan that will align the jaws. This type of malocclusion usually requires multiple devices to be used to strengthen the teeth and then the jaw. In some cases, a patient may need teeth to be extracted or jaw surgery to get everything aligned properly. Please keep in mind that some form of overbite is needed for function and is considered esthetically pleasing.

Class 3 malocclusion – The Underbite

Patients with this type of occlusion are experiencing the opposite issue to those with a class 2 malocclusion. This underbite is the result of having a lower jaw that is larger than the upper jaw causing the lower teeth the overlap the upper. Similarly to class 2, a dentist often uses multiple devices to correct the teeth and bite. Severe cases may need a treatment plan that includes jaw surgery.

Call 732-741-1052 to schedule an appointment with Red Bank Smiles and start perfecting your smile!