Malocclusion and TMJ in Orthodontics: Types, Dental vs. Skeletal Causes, and the Link to the Jaw Joint
In the analysis of patient comments about Orthodontics, Malocclusion and TMJ formed a question cluster of about 1,500 comments. Malocclusion is classified by type (Class II, Class III, deep bite, open bite) and cause (dental or skeletal). TMJ disorders and orthodontics are separate treatments, and conservative care comes first for pain. SOURCE Analysis of patient comments on YouTube dental content (DentStat) · public sources listed under References · Data as of June 28, 2026
Key facts
| Causes of malocclusion | Distinguished as a tooth position problem (dental) or a jawbone size or position problem (skeletal) [1] |
|---|---|
| Main TMJ disorder symptoms | Joint sounds, pain, limited mouth opening [2] |
| TMJ disorder treatment | Conservative care first, such as lifestyle management, physical therapy and occlusal splints [2] |
| Patient questions analyzed | 1,500 comments on malocclusion and TMJ analyzed [3] |
What types of malocclusion are there?
Malocclusion is a state in which the upper and lower teeth and jaws do not meet properly, and it is divided into several types depending on the direction of the misalignment [1]. In the front-to-back relationship, Class II (upper teeth relatively forward) and Class III (lower teeth forward, an underbite pattern) are distinguished. In the vertical relationship, there is deep bite, where the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones too much, and open bite, where the front teeth do not touch [1].
| Type | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Class II malocclusion | Upper teeth and upper jaw relatively forward, may come with protrusion |
| Class III malocclusion | Lower teeth and lower jaw relatively forward (crossbite or underbite pattern) |
| Deep bite | Upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much |
| Open bite | Front teeth do not touch even when the back teeth bite together |
When DentStat analyzed 1,500 patient comments on malocclusion and TMJ, the most common questions asked which type the person had and what treatments are possible for that type [3].
What is the difference between dental and skeletal causes?
Even within the same type, the cause is called dental when it lies in tooth position, and skeletal when it lies in the size or position of the jawbone [1]. Dental problems can sometimes be improved by moving teeth, that is, with orthodontics. Skeletal problems have limits with tooth movement alone, so orthopedic treatment during growth or combined surgery in adults is considered [1]. The distinction is made from test results such as lateral cephalometric X-ray measurements, so reviewing the explanation of type and cause together with the diagnostic records is the basis for any decision [1].
What are the symptoms of a TMJ disorder?
The typical symptoms of a TMJ (jaw joint) disorder are joint sounds when opening the mouth or chewing, pain around the jaw, and limited mouth opening [2]. The cause is known to involve several factors acting together, such as habits like teeth grinding and clenching, stress and injury [2]. In the comment analysis, too, people experiencing jaw sounds or pain repeatedly asked how this relates to orthodontics [3].
Can orthodontics treat a TMJ disorder?
There is no established evidence that orthodontic treatment cures TMJ disorders, and the two problems are usually evaluated separately [2]. For TMJ disorders, conservative care such as lifestyle management, physical therapy and an occlusal stabilization appliance (splint) is considered first [2]. Whether to start orthodontics while the jaw joint is painful is decided after evaluating the joint, and in some cases pain management comes first [2]. Some people share experiences of TMJ symptoms during or after orthodontic treatment, but cause and effect needs individual evaluation [3].
What happens if my bite does not fit after orthodontic treatment?
Right after the appliance is removed, there is a period when the bite changes slightly as the teeth settle [1]. If, while wearing a retainer, only certain areas touch or some areas feel like they do not meet, the bite is checked at a regular follow-up visit [1]. Occlusal adjustment, which grinds the tooth surface to fit the bite, is hard to reverse, so whether to do it needs careful evaluation [1]. In the comment analysis, many questions about bite changes after treatment and shared experiences of re-treatment were found [3].
Common misconceptions and facts
| Common misconception | What the evidence shows |
|---|---|
| Orthodontics will also cure a TMJ disorder | Orthodontics is not established as a treatment for TMJ disorders, and conservative care is considered first [2] |
| Any jaw pain during braces is caused by the braces | TMJ disorders involve several factors such as habits and stress, and the cause needs individual evaluation [2] |
| Severe malocclusion always means surgery | Whether to combine surgery is decided by distinguishing dental from skeletal causes and by test results, not by severity alone [1] |
| If the bite does not fit, just grind it to fit | Occlusal adjustment removes tooth structure and cannot be reversed, so it needs careful evaluation [1] |
Symptoms and conservative care for the jaw joint itself are covered in the TMJ guide, pain, extraction and cost structure for orthodontics in general are in the orthodontics guide, and dental clinics by region can be found in Find a Dentist.
Frequently asked questions
- What do Class II and Class III malocclusion mean?
- They are classifications based on the front-to-back relationship of the upper and lower teeth. In Class II the upper teeth sit relatively forward, and in Class III the lower teeth sit forward (an underbite or protruding chin pattern). The type alone does not decide the treatment; dental and skeletal causes also need to be distinguished.
- If my malocclusion is skeletal, do I definitely need surgery?
- No. During growth, orthopedic treatment that uses the child's growth is considered, and in adults the approach depends on severity and treatment goals. Whether to combine surgery is judged based on test results such as lateral cephalometric X-rays.
- My jaw makes clicking sounds. Can I still start orthodontic treatment?
- The joint should be evaluated first. If there is pain or limited mouth opening, conservative care is considered first, and whether and when to start orthodontics depends on the evaluation.
- Can orthodontic treatment cause TMJ disorders?
- There is no established evidence that orthodontic treatment causes TMJ disorders. TMJ disorders involve many factors, such as habits and stress. Because some patients share experiences of symptoms, checking the joint before treatment and watching for changes during treatment are part of the review.
- My braces are off but my bite feels like it does not meet. Is that normal?
- After the appliance is removed, there is a period when the bite changes slightly as the teeth settle. If the feeling persists or chewing becomes more uncomfortable, the bite is checked at a regular follow-up visit.
Find a dental clinic
Compare dental clinics by area and treatment in the area shortlists, or see nationwide figures in dental clinic statistics for South Korea.
Related topics
References
- National Health Information Portal: Malocclusion and Orthodontic Treatment · Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA)
- National Health Information Portal: Temporomandibular Joint Disorders · Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA)
- Analysis of patient comments on YouTube dental content: orthodontics, malocclusion and TMJ, 1,500 comments (collected 2026-06-28) · DentStat (Osamil Inc.)
This content is general information based on public sources and does not replace diagnosis, prescription or treatment for any individual. If you have symptoms, consult a dentist.