---
title: "What Is Malocclusion? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Malocclusion means a bad bite. The upper and lower teeth do not line up correctly when the mouth closes, and it comes in several types."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/malocclusion
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Malocclusion

Malocclusion means a bad bite. The upper and lower teeth do not line up correctly when the mouth closes, and it comes in several types.

Malocclusion, or a bad bite, means your upper and lower teeth do not align when you close your mouth. Not all malocclusions are the same. Types include [overbite](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/overbite), [underbite](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/underbite), [crossbite](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/crossbite) and open bite.

Causes include crowded or crooked teeth and teeth that are too large for the mouth. Jaw size and habits such as thumb sucking in early childhood can also play a part.

Some bite problems cause no trouble. Others can lead to wear, jaw pain or trouble chewing. Providers usually treat dental malocclusion with braces or other bite correction. Our office describes straightening options on its [teeth straightening page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-straightening).

[Town Center Dental can helpTeeth Straightening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-straightening)

## Related terms

-   [Overbite](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/overbite)
-   [Underbite](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/underbite)
-   [Crossbite](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/crossbite)
-   [Open bite](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/open-bite)
-   [Crowded teeth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/crowded-teeth)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Malocclusion (Misaligned Bite): Types & Treatment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22010-malocclusion)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)