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What are the Common Types of Crooked Teeth?

August 30, 2021
Braces coral gables

Not many people enjoy having crooked teeth! Did you know there are several forms of misalignment, as well as different levels of severity? Keep reading to learn about the most common types of crooked teeth and if braces in Coral Gables can correct them.

Braces coral gables

Common Tooth and Jaw Alignment Issues

Malocclusion, or crooked teeth, happen due to misalignments with the jaw. Our jaws have developed over time as we learned to cook and cut food into manageable pieces, but our teeth haven’t. This is why most people still have third molars (wisdom teeth) and overcrowding due to our now smaller jaws. 

Some of the common alignment issues people face today include: 

  • Overbite 
  • Underbite 
  • Open bite 
  • Crossbite 
  • Crowding 
  • Spacing 

Levels of Severity

There are three basic types of crooked teeth a person may have. Genetics do play a large role in your alignment issues, but other lifestyle factors can also be an influence. The basic types of crooked teeth are: 

Class 1 Malocclusion

This is the most common and mildest type. Those with class 1 malocclusion have dental arches that are relatively aligned with the skull, but the teeth are crowded or misaligned in some way. Traditional orthodontic treatments can correct most crooked teeth of this class. 

Class 2 Malocclusion

This class of malocclusion happens when the upper or lower teeth severely overlap. It generally occurs when the lower jaw is underdeveloped due to the upper molars being too far forward. Milder cases of class 2 malocclusion can be treated with orthodontic treatment, but severe cases may require oral surgery. 

Class 3 Malocclusion

Class 3 malocclusions occur when the lower jaw sticks out and causes the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth. Those with this level of crooked teeth have a lower jaw that is usually larger than the upper jaw and suffer from prematurely worn teeth. Braces can help adolescents with mild class 3 malocclusion, but severe cases require surgery to correct.

Closeup of a girl with Braces in coral gables

Do You Think You Need Braces in Coral Gables?

If you have alignment issues you want to address, we’re more than happy to assist. Call Smile Dental and Co. today to see how we can make your smile straighter again.