MALOCCLUSION is when teeth do not erupt in the normal position causing unsightly appearance, crowding of teeth & food entrapment (preventing proper cleaning). It is usually caused by discrepancies in the jaws & tooth size, heredity, variations from the usual eruption sequence & finally habits like thumb sucking & mouth-breathing.
    
    Malocclusions may be broadly classified into 2 categories :-
a] Dental (because of teeth erupting unfavourably)
b] Skeletal (because of deformity of the bone - this may need to be corrected surgically.)

     Dental Malocclusions may be corrected by Orthodontic brackets and wires, depending upon the categories they fall under. Not all the cases are treated by extraction of teeth to realign the rest. Removable plates may be worn by the patient for the specified time to correct the tooth position.

     Orthodontia (the branch of dentistry that deals with correcting malalignment of teeth) requires constant monitoring by the dentist and the patient is required to be cooperative and motivated. Here parents play a very important role. Their encouragement & interest can motivate the child into completing the treatment.

     For malocclusion to be corrected & treated at the right time, the child's regular visit to the dentist is mandatory.

Also see Orthodontics(Braces)