Surgery of the Jaw & Teeth / Malocclusion
Malocclusion occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not align and fit together properly and therefore the “bite” is misaligned. In correctly-aligned teeth, the upper teeth rest slightly over the lower teeth with the points of upper molars are fitting the shape of lower molars. Malocclusion is also referred to as a cross bite, under bite, or over bite, and mild to moderate cases can be treated with braces. More severe cases will need to be treated with surgical jaw realignment which repositions the jaw bone segments so teeth fit together more naturally.
Class I: normal
Class II: lower teeth too far behind upper teeth; usually associated with a recessed lower jaw.
class III: lower teeth in front of upper teeth; usually associated with a recessed upper or protrusive lower jaw.
