Dental malocclusion. Profile view of the teeth of a patient suffering from a malocclusion. The patient's teeth are slanted forwards, preventing proper alignment of the jaws. Malocclusion is caused by a number of factors. It may be an inherited condition, or the upper and lower jaws may be different sizes. Crowding of the teeth in the mouth may also cause the condition. Braces may be used to correct the position of the teeth. Extraction of some teeth may also be required if there is overcrowding. In extreme cases surgery to lengthen or shorten the jawbones may be necessary.