Dental Malocclusion

Malocclusion is the term dentists use to describe a bite that does not fit together properly. At Creating Beautiful Smiles in Racine, WI, Dr. Palmer and Dr. Smalkoski evaluate and treat malocclusion as part of their commitment to comprehensive orthodontic and restorative care. A healthy bite means your upper and lower teeth come together evenly and comfortably when you close your mouth. When they do not align correctly, the result is malocclusion, and the effects can range from purely cosmetic to genuinely impactful on your daily life and long-term dental health. Malocclusion comes in several forms. An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth. An underbite is the opposite, with the lower teeth sitting in front of the upper ones. A crossbite happens when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. An open bite means the upper and lower front teeth do not touch even when the back teeth are closed together. Crowding and spacing issues are also forms of malocclusion that affect how teeth align within the arch. These problems can develop for a variety of reasons, including genetics, habits like prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use, early loss of baby teeth, jaw injuries, or the way teeth naturally grow in. Left untreated, malocclusion can contribute to uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, difficulty cleaning between teeth, and problems with chewing or speaking. The encouraging news is that most forms of malocclusion can be corrected with the right orthodontic or dental treatment. Our team will carefully evaluate your bite and explain exactly what is happening and what your options are for addressing it.

The treatment for malocclusion depends on the type and severity of the misalignment, as well as your age and overall dental health. At Creating Beautiful Smiles, Dr. Palmer and Dr. Smalkoski will begin with a thorough examination that includes X-rays, bite analysis, and possibly a digital scan or impressions of your teeth. This gives them a complete picture of how your bite is functioning and what is contributing to the misalignment. For many patients, orthodontic treatment is the primary approach. Traditional metal braces, porcelain braces, and clear aligner options like SureSmile are all available at our Racine, WI office. Braces and aligners work by applying controlled, consistent pressure to gradually move teeth into their correct positions over time. The type of orthodontic treatment that works best depends on the specific nature of your malocclusion and your personal preferences. In cases where tooth size, shape, or wear are contributing factors, restorative treatments like crowns, veneers, or dental bonding may be used in combination with orthodontics. For younger patients whose jaws are still growing, expanders or other orthodontic appliances may be recommended to guide jaw development in a healthier direction. More significant skeletal malocclusion in adults occasionally requires evaluation for surgical intervention, though most bite problems can be managed without surgery. Throughout your treatment, our team will keep you informed about your progress, adjust your care plan as needed, and make sure you understand every step. Correcting malocclusion is an investment in your comfort, your dental health, and the long-term stability of your smile.