Dental
Terms
An occlusion in dental terms refers to the
meeting together of the upper and lower
teeth and jaws. A malocclusion therefore is
an abnormal occlusion of the teeth, or jaws.
Depending on the severity and lack of
functionality, a malocclusion can be
categorized as a Class I, II, or III.
A Class I Malocclusion occurs when the teeth
are mis-aligned and irregular but still meet
correctly.
A Class II Malocclusion occurs when the
upper jaw and teeth protrude relative to the
lower jaw and teeth. The teeth may also be
irregular.
A Class III Malocclusion is the result when
the lower jaw and teeth protrude relative to
the upper jaw and teeth. Again as with a
Class II, the teeth may also be irregular.
Various conditions result from different
forms of malocclusions. Crowding is a
malocclusion caused by insufficient space
for the
teeth. A cross bite results where the upper
teeth bite inside the lower teeth. When the
teeth do not meet together an open bite is
the consequence. An overbite is the vertical
overlap of the upper over the lower teeth.
An overjet is the horizontal overlap of the
upper teeth over the lower teeth. An
increased overjet is known as a protrusion.
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