malocclusion

American  

[mal-uh-kloo-zhuhn] / ˌmæl əˈklu ʒən /

noun

Dentistry.

1. faulty occlusion; irregular contact of opposing teeth in the upper and lower jaws.

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malocclusion British  

/ ˌmæləˈkluːʒən /

noun

1. dentistry a defect in the normal position of the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed, as from abnormal development of the jaw

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malocclusion Scientific  

/ măl′ə-klo̅o̅′zhən /

1. Misalignment between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed, resulting in a faulty bite.

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Other Word Forms

• maloccluded adjective

Etymology

Origin of malocclusion

First recorded in 1885–90; mal- + occlusion

Example Sentences

But Squirt had a wonky jaw — a malocclusion, possibly from the fall — and Brian had to clip his teeth every week or so.

From Washington Post • Apr. 8, 2023

Mr. Friedman was told he had a skeletal malocclusion, which severely limited his airways.

From New York Times • Jun. 18, 2021

The website continues to list other risks of malocclusion without providing evidence.

From Slate • Jul. 27, 2020

"In addition, children who are breast-fed are less likely to use a pacifier, which is considered a risk factor for malocclusion."

From US News • Jun. 15, 2015

This condition is called malocclusion; it is the orthodontists' favorite word and their chief problem.

From Time Magazine Archive