Bad Bites - Malocclusion

A bad bite (malocclusion) is a condition in which the teeth are out of alignment, crooked, or crowded. Often this condition starts to appear between the ages of six and twelve, when permanent teeth are erupting. A bad bite can be the result of many things such as thumb sucking after permanent teeth have erupted, an inherited trait such as jaw shape, or perhaps an injury earlier in the child's life.

Bad bites can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and a less than attractive smile. For more severe conditions, surgery may be necessary to correct and realign the jaw bones. More often, however, orthodontics in the form of braces can correct misaligned teeth and crooked teeth. If crowding is also present, teeth may be removed to make room to avoid further problems in the future.

If you think your child suffers from malocclusion, be sure to contact your dentist or our office and make an appointment. While a bad bite may not present any problems at the moment, it could cause future complications. Additionally, as a child ages, personal appearance becomes more important to their self-esteem. Crooked teeth may only add to an already complex transition into adulthood.