Examples of malocclusion

Malocclusion with overjet and with underbite

Malocclusion is a poor fit (alignment) of the teeth and jaws. An overjet is when the lower teeth are too far behind the upper front teeth. An underbite is when the upper front teeth are too far behind the lower teeth.

A common cause of malocclusion is teeth that have too much or too little room in the jaw. As a result, teeth may grow or drift out of place. Some people refer to it as having crooked teeth or a "poor bite."

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerWilliam F. Hohlt, DDS - Orthodontics

Current as ofMay 7, 2017

Current as of: May 7, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & William F. Hohlt, DDS - Orthodontics