What Is A Class III Malocclusion?

The class III Malocclusion is when the lower jaw has grown forward of the upper teeth, this is also referred to as an under bite. The chin is elongated and the teeth are not aligned correctly and do not close properly.

This type of problem when not taken care of can not only cause problems chewing and with general dental health, but it can also require surgery if not corrected as a child. There are problems with the teeth wearing improperly and they can also face inward over time.

There will also be problems with the jaw as it is not aligned properly and will crack, pop and hurt when chewing and over time will cause TMJ in the jaw.

In the patient with a class III Malocclusion the lower front teeth positioned in front of the upper teeth is caused by an under development of the upper jaw and the horizontal over development of the lower jaw in most cases. It can in some cases be the improper growth of either the upper or lower jaw. This is why braces are needed to reposition the teeth into a proper alignment and a proper bite.

The earlier the correction of the class III Malocclusion begins the better the results will be in correcting the problem with the bite and the alignment of the teeth while the jaw is still growing. Uncorrected an adult patient can face surgery in some cases to correct this problem.