Dental Occlusion: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms and Its Relationship with Orthodontics
- Gerir Saúde
- Sep 14
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 23
Dental occlusion refers to the way the upper and lower teeth fit together when we close our mouth. This mechanism, which may seem simple, is essential for such basic functions as chewing, speaking, and even breathing properly. When there is a balance between teeth, muscles, and joints, we call it functional occlusion. When this balance is lost, malocclusions arise, which can impact not only the aesthetics of the smile but also oral health and overall well-being.
Dr Cláudio Alferes, a dentist specialised in orthodontics and occlusion, is dedicated to accurately assessing these alterations, explaining the origin of the problem to each patient, and proposing the most appropriate treatment with the aim of restoring function and quality of life.
What is dental occlusion?
Dental occlusion is the contact between the upper and lower teeth, coordinated by the masticatory muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When this contact is balanced, chewing forces are distributed evenly, avoiding overloads and promoting healthy function.
Normal (functional) occlusion
In normal occlusion, the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth, allowing efficient chewing, harmonious aesthetics, and balanced joint function. This ensures that muscles, teeth, and TMJ work in harmony.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion occurs when there is dental or skeletal misalignment, creating imbalances that can affect not only chewing function but also general health.
Common examples include:
(Class II) Deep overbite: the upper teeth excessively cover the lower teeth, which may cause tooth wear and TMJ overload.
(Class I) Open bite: absence of contact between the front teeth when closing the mouth, often associated with habits such as thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use.
(Class III) Crossbite: when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth, which can affect both chewing function and facial aesthetics.
(Class I/III) Mandibular deviations: when the jaw shifts laterally when closing the mouth, potentially causing facial asymmetry and TMJ pain.
These alterations should not be seen merely as aesthetic concerns: they can compromise chewing, speech, and even cause discomfort or pain in the TMJ.
Malocclusion in children
Malocclusions are very common in children, especially due to growth factors and poor oral habits developed in the early years of life. Between ages 5 and 13/14, orthodontic intervention is generally simpler and more effective, since bones are still developing and erupting teeth can be guided more easily. Correcting these problems at this stage helps avoid more complex and lengthy treatments in adulthood, while also contributing to more harmonious facial growth.
Main causes of malocclusion
Malocclusions do not arise in isolation nor do they have a single cause. On the contrary, they result from a combination of hereditary, environmental, and functional factors that influence jawbone growth, tooth positioning, and even the way the jaw moves.
Some patients have a genetic predisposition to skeletal or dental alterations, while others develop the problem over time due to acquired habits or specific circumstances, such as premature tooth loss. In many cases, different factors act together — for example, a hereditary pattern combined with harmful childhood oral habits — increasing the risk of developing malocclusion.
This is why specialised diagnosis is essential: only through a detailed clinical evaluation is it possible to identify the origin of the problem and define the most appropriate orthodontic treatment for each patient.
Genetic and hereditary factors
The shape of the jaws and the size of the teeth are largely determined by genetics. Disproportion between bone and tooth dimensions may lead to misaligned, spaced, or crowded teeth.
Childhood oral habits
Prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking, or nail biting can alter bone and dental development, leading to open bites or misalignments.
Bone growth alterations
Problems in jaw or maxillary growth, whether delayed or excessive, directly influence dental fit. Early monitoring is essential in these cases to prevent worsening.
Premature tooth loss
The absence of primary or permanent teeth at an early age can cause neighbouring teeth to shift, compromising alignment and leading to malocclusion.
Symptoms and signs of malocclusion
Malocclusion can manifest in many different ways, affecting not only the aesthetics of the smile but also chewing function, TMJ health, and overall well-being. In many cases, signs begin subtly and almost imperceptibly, gradually evolving into more evident and disabling symptoms.
Beyond functional difficulties such as chewing or speaking problems, malocclusion can cause frequent pain, irregular tooth wear, and even postural changes due to overload on facial and neck muscles. Psychological impacts should also not be underestimated: misaligned teeth or altered bites may compromise self-esteem and patient confidence.
Recognising these symptoms early is essential to seek specialist help. The earlier the diagnosis, the more effective the treatment and the lower the risk of long-term complications.
Difficulty chewing and speaking
Incorrect bite compromises chewing, often leading to excessive strain that wears teeth and muscles. In some cases, it can also interfere with speech.
Excessive tooth wear
When teeth do not fit together properly, certain areas bear more load than others, resulting in premature wear, fractures, and sensitivity.
Headaches and TMJ problems
Malocclusion overloads the masticatory muscles and TMJ. Consequences: frequent headaches, clicking sounds, or even difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
Aesthetic and self-esteem issues
Dental misalignment can affect smile aesthetics and, in many cases, self-esteem. Facial changes may also occur when malocclusion is left untreated.
What is the relationship between dental occlusion and orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry dedicated to correcting malocclusions, ensuring not only a more harmonious smile but above all a balanced function between teeth, bones, and joints. Untreated malocclusion can cause functional problems and chronic pain, making orthodontics central to both prevention and treatment.
At Dr Cláudio Alferes’ clinic, every orthodontic plan goes far beyond aesthetics. The aim is to understand each patient’s situation as a whole — from dental positioning to TMJ function — and only then define the best intervention strategy. This involves advanced diagnostic methods, detailed functional evaluation, and tailored treatment solutions.
This personalised approach ensures not only the correction of dental alignment but also an improvement in the patient’s quality of life, reducing symptoms, preventing complications, and restoring confidence in their smile.
Detailed diagnosis
Includes thorough clinical evaluation, functional analysis, and complementary exams such as X-rays and CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography), which allow in-depth study of the relationship between teeth, bones, and joints.
Orthodontic treatment options
Depending on the case, the following may be used:
Conventional braces – brackets and elastics for gradual correction.
Self-ligating braces – technology without elastics, reducing friction.
Clear aligners – an aesthetic, removable option for certain cases.
Benefits of orthodontic treatment
Correction of bite and chewing function.
Prevention of premature wear and TMJ problems.
Improved aesthetics and positive impact on self-esteem.
Greater oral health and long-term functionality.
The importance of specialist follow-up
Malocclusion should not be regarded merely as an aesthetic problem. Its effects can compromise essential functions and trigger chronic pain or joint issues.
With his expertise in orthodontics and occlusion, Dr Cláudio Alferes provides a personalised approach, based on accurate diagnosis and treatment solutions tailored to each patient.
Do you suspect you may have malocclusion? Book your evaluation appointment with Dr Cláudio Alferes and discover the most appropriate treatment for you.
