The History of Orthodontics
What is Malocclusion?
Angle's Classification of Malocclusion

 What is Malocclusion







Malocclusion is more than just the malalignment of the teeth. It can be any combination of these three components:

The teeth are not side by side, aligned in a smooth arch.

(Skeletal picture) The facial esthetics are not proportional due to irregularities in jaw position.

(Picture 1B-3) Developmental or traumatic defects result in poor occlusal relationships and require treatment.

Learn the different types of teeth and their names

Orthodontics is more than just straightening teeth due to the fact that malocclusion encompasses so much more.

Trauma: Many people experience trauma which involves fracture of bones of the face. When this happens, the person may notice an inability to open fully, chew on one side, or even close their mouth at all. Orthodontists in conjunction with oral surgeons develop a plan of care to reposition the jaw and allow the person to live a normal life again.
Birth Defects: There are many syndromes which babies are born with that involve the mouth and face. A striking example of this is the person who has cleft lip and palate. These babies are born with a section of their upper jaw not fuses together. For these more complicated cases, Orthodontist work with a team of doctors and dentist to correct the defect.

In a study by the United States Public Health Service, it was found that malocclusion is quite prevalent. In a sample of people ages 12 to 17 years old the following data was collected:

White Black
Near ideal occlusion 10.5% 14.7%
Mild malocclusion 34.6% 36.9%
Moderate malocclusion 25.7% 21.0%
Severe malocclusion 29.2% 27.4%

Malocclusion can cause many things which necessitate its treatment:

  1. Problems with oral function because of difficulty with jaw movement
  2. Problems with greater susceptibility to trauma (teeth stick out) or dental disease (teeth are so malaligned that it is impossible to clean)
  3. There are many psychological problems associated with impaired dental esthetics.

Dentist recommend orthodontic treatment to 55% of the general population.

Edward Angle created a classification for malocclusion in the 1890's which is still in use today.

There are many types of teeth in the mouth. In the adult there are thirty-two (32) teeth. If you were to break the mouth into four quadrants, you would have eight (8) teeth in each quadrant. In a given quadrant, you have the following teeth:

2 Incisors - one central (in the center of the mouth) and one lateral
1 Canine
2 Premolars - numbered 1st and 2nd
3 Molars - numbered 1st, 2nd and 3rd (3rd is also known as the wisdom tooth)


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