What is the most common cause of malocclusion related to teeth?

Crowding is recognized as the most common cause of malocclusion in teeth. This occurs when there is insufficient space in the dental arch to accommodate all of the teeth properly. As a result, teeth may overlap, become misaligned, or be positioned in a way that affects overall bite functionality and aesthetics. The prevalence of crowding in both children and adults makes it a significant factor in orthodontic evaluations and considerations.

In contrast, conditions like overjet, crossbite, and open bite represent specific types of malocclusion but are less common as primary causes. Overjet refers to the horizontal distance between the upper and lower incisors, while crossbite involves a scenario where the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. An open bite happens when there is a lack of vertical overlap between the upper and lower front teeth when the jaws are closed. Although these conditions can certainly contribute to malocclusion, they are often the result of underlying issues like crowding, rather than primary causes themselves.