Malocclusion refers to any degree of irregular contact of the teeth of the upper jaw with the teeth of the lower jaw. This would include overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
T here is no specific system of deciding how much misalignment is too much.
Your child's orthodontist will decide whether your child's bite will need correction. Malocclusion can cause problems with the child s bite, gum tissue, jaw joint, speech development, and appearance. Orthodontists are specially trained dentists who specialize in the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws. Orthodontists also have specialized training in facial abnormalities and disorders of the jaw. In some cases, a specialist in jaw surgery may need to be consulted.