Kim Loos Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line.
Many cases are severe enough to affect facial proportions and alignment.
Malocclusion can be either acquired or developmental. Acquired conditions are usually the result of trauma or some other external influence which alters facial contours. Developmental malignments result from excessive or insufficient growth of skeletal structures. Patients with malocclusions must be carefully examined to determine if the condition is dental only or if it contains a broader skeletal component. If the malocclusion is related solely to tooth position, surgery is not necessary for correction of the condition.