Malocclusion is usually an inherited condition. This means it can be passed down from one generation to the next. 

There are some conditions or habits that may change the shape and structure of your jaw. These include: 

cleft lip and palate 

frequent use of a pacifier after you’re 3 years old 

prolonged use of bottle feeding in early childhood 

thumb sucking in early childhood 

injuries that result in the misalignment of your jaw 

tumors in your mouth or jaw 

atypically shaped or impacted teeth 

dental care resulting in improperly fitting dental fillings, crowns, or braces 

airway obstruction (mouth breathing), potentially caused by allergies or by enlarged adenoids or tonsils 

Depending on the classification of malocclusion, the symptoms of the disorder may be subtle or severe. Typical symptoms of malocclusion include: 

improper alignment of your teeth 

changes in the appearance of your face 

frequent biting of your inner cheeks or tongue 

discomfort when chewing or biting 

speech changes, including the development of a lisp 

breathing through your mouth rather than your nose 

Depending on your type of malocclusion, your orthodontist may recommend various treatments. These can include: 

braces to correct the position of your teeth 

dental appliances or retainers to realign teeth 

removal of teeth to correct overcrowding 

reshaping, bonding, or capping of teeth 

surgery to reshape or shorten your jaw 

Treatment for the condition may also result in some complications. These include: 

tooth decay 

pain or discomfort 

irritation of your mouth from the use of appliances, such as braces 

difficulty chewing or speaking during treatment 

Preventing the condition can be difficult because most cases of malocclusion are largely hereditary. 

However, growth of your jaw and teeth can also be influenced by environmental factors.

Parents of young children should limit pacifier and bottle use to help reduce changes in the development of the jaw. Children should also be encouraged to stop sucking their thumbs as young as possible. 

Early detection of malocclusion may help decrease the length and severity of the treatment.