Malocclusion: what it is and how it relates to the face
Quick facts
- Definition
- An improper relationship between the upper and lower teeth, or between the arches, when the mouth closes.
- Classification
- Angle Classes I, II and III, among other ways of describing it.
- Facial effect
- Can change the profile, chin projection and lip support.
- Relevance in HOF
- Explains chin and lip concerns that filler only masks.
Malocclusion is an improper relationship between the teeth of the upper and lower arches when the mouth closes. The term covers a broad group of situations, from mild crowding to skeletal differences between the maxilla and the mandible. It is treated by the orthodontist and, in skeletal cases, by the oral and maxillofacial surgery team.
Why does HOF need to know about it?
Because the position of the teeth and facial bones shapes the lower third. Lips resting on protruding teeth look fuller; lips without support look thin. A chin that looks recessed may reflect a mandible positioned too far back. Trying to solve everything with volume is a recipe for a disproportionate face.
The best-known relationships appear in the Angle classification, which describes the position of the first molars:
| Class | Relationship | Common effect on the profile |
|---|---|---|
| I | Normal molar relationship, with possible changes in the front teeth | Variable profile, usually balanced |
| II | Lower arch positioned behind the upper one | Convex profile, chin that looks recessed (see Angle Class II) |
| III | Lower arch positioned in front of the upper one | Straighter or concave profile, prominent chin (see Angle Class III) |
The real effect varies with bone, skin, lip and nose. The table is a general map, not a diagnosis.
How does it show up in the assessment?
When looking at the profile, ask: is the chin barely projected? Do the lips close without effort? Is there chin tension when closing the mouth? These clues suggest the need for a dental assessment. See also micrognathia, retrogenia and prognathism.
Besides the profile, malocclusion may be associated with symptoms of the temporomandibular joint, such as pain when chewing and joint noises. In those cases, the functional focus comes before the aesthetic one.
When does filler help?
In mild cases, or when the patient does not want or cannot treat the bite, filler in the chin or jawline can improve the aesthetic effect, always within realistic expectations. The decision belongs to the qualified professional, after assessment, and the patient must know that the underlying cause remains.
In Harmy
The projection uses a frontal photo, so it does not represent the profile or the bite. The Chin and Jawline points simulate volume seen from the front, as an illustrative simulation. Assessing malocclusion is clinical and dental, and happens outside the app.
Also called: bad bite, altered bite.
Frequently asked questions
Can filler correct malocclusion?
No. Filler can disguise part of the aesthetic effect on the chin or profile, but malocclusion is a dental and skeletal issue treated in orthodontics, sometimes with surgery.