To understand the necessity for braces please read the following definitions:

 

‘Occlusion’ – The way the teeth fit together when biting.

 

‘Malocclusion’ – Describes the variation of a normal occlusion.

 

Malocclusion is categorized in either skeletal, dental and a combination of both.

 

‘Orthodontic treatment’ – Having braces.

 

‘Orthodontist’ – A specialist in straightening teeth.

 

This picture shows the differences between skeletal malocclusion. The picture to the far left called class I is regarded as normal. Note the facial profile and molar relation in a class one occlusion.

 

Compared to pictures two and three the difference is obvious.

 

Dental malocclusions occur within the three classifications of skeletal malocclusions. A dental malocclusion is basically the teeth being in an abnormal position and/or being rotated.

 

Your dentist is the first step to successful orthodontic treatment. The first diagnoses of a malocclusion is made by your dentist and a referral to an orthodontist will set you in the right direction.