Types of Dental Malocclusion and How They Are Treated

Cliniva Dental Clinic · DLF Phase 2, Gurugram · Updated 2026-09-20

Many people in DLF Phase 2, Gurugram notice that their upper and lower teeth do not quite line up but are unsure whether it is a serious problem or just a cosmetic quirk. This condition, called malocclusion, simply means the teeth or jaws are not aligned as they ideally should be. Understanding the type of malocclusion you have is the first step toward knowing whether treatment is needed and what it might involve.

What Is Malocclusion?

Malocclusion refers to any misalignment between the upper and lower dental arches when the jaw closes. It can be mild and barely noticeable, or significant enough to affect chewing, speech, and jaw comfort. Causes range from genetics and jaw size mismatches to childhood habits like thumb sucking, early or late loss of baby teeth, and even mouth breathing.

Common Types of Malocclusion

Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend noticeably over the lower front teeth. A small amount of overlap is normal, but an excessive overbite can lead to uneven wear, gum irritation behind the upper teeth, and in some cases jaw discomfort.

Underbite

In an underbite, the lower jaw and teeth extend forward past the upper front teeth. This is often linked to a jaw that has grown larger than usual or an upper jaw that is smaller. Underbites can affect chewing efficiency and sometimes give the lower face a more prominent appearance.

Crossbite

A crossbite happens when one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside, either on one side of the mouth or both. Left untreated, a crossbite can cause asymmetrical jaw growth in children and uneven tooth wear in adults.

Open Bite

An open bite is when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch even when the back teeth are closed together, leaving a visible gap. This is often related to prolonged thumb sucking, tongue thrusting habits, or certain jaw growth patterns, and can make biting into foods like sandwiches difficult.

How Malocclusion Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis usually begins with a visual and physical examination of how your teeth meet when you bite down. Your dentist will also review your dental and jaw growth history. Depending on findings, additional tools may include:

• Dental X-rays to assess tooth position and root angles
• Photographs of your bite from different angles
• Dental impressions or digital scans to study the bite relationship in detail
• In select cases, a cephalometric X-ray to evaluate jaw and skull structure

This combination helps determine whether the issue is purely dental (teeth position) or skeletal (jaw size and position), which guides the treatment approach.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type, severity, and whether the patient is a growing child or an adult.

• Braces or clear aligners: Commonly used to gradually shift teeth into better alignment for overbites, crossbites, and mild open bites.
• Growth modification appliances: Used in children whose jaws are still developing, to help guide jaw growth in a favourable direction.
• Retainers: Often needed after active treatment to hold the corrected position in place.
• Habit correction: Addressing thumb sucking or tongue thrusting in children can prevent or reduce open bite development.
• Jaw surgery: Reserved for significant skeletal discrepancies in adults, usually combined with orthodontic treatment, and only recommended after thorough evaluation.

What Affects Treatment Cost

Costs vary based on the type of malocclusion, the appliance chosen, and treatment duration. For patients in DLF Phase 2, Gurugram, the typical range for orthodontic treatment can span from more affordable conventional braces to higher-cost clear aligner systems, with early monitoring visits usually priced lower than full treatment plans. Your dentist can give you a clearer estimate once your bite has been properly assessed, since no two cases are exactly alike.

When to See a Dentist

If you notice your teeth do not meet evenly, experience jaw discomfort while chewing, or see uneven wear on your teeth, it is worth getting a bite evaluation. Early diagnosis, especially in children, often means simpler and shorter treatment later on.

Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the DLF Phase 2, Gurugram region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.