Maloclusion is a term dentists use to describe how teeth come together. When a patient has proper occlusion, it means that their teeth touch as intended, much like gears coming together in an engine. In some cases, a patient's rear molars line up properly, but their front teeth are out of place. Whether from spacing problems, crowding, rotation, or from overly protruding forward bite, misalignment or malocclusion can result in a number of consequences as the teeth come into contact in unintended ways. These can include jaw and muscle pain, excessive or uneven tooth wear, cracking, and potential loss of the affected teeth. There are several options available to treat bite misalignment issues. Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause and the severity of misalignment, making it critical to work closely with your doctor to develop a plan that best meets your unique needs.