Are braces medically needed for my son's diagnosis: 35% vertical overbite, class 1 malocclussion, moderate misalignment of upper and lower cuspids?

No, but Dentally: While it is true that a mal-occlusion can have an effect on eating, your jaw joint (TMJ), headaches, posture and more... Only in EXTREME cases are mal-occlusions considered medically necessary. From what you've described of your child's situation, the criteria aren't within these extreme guidelines.

Medically Needed: There are very few dental procedures that are medically necessary... orthodontics usually does not fall into that category. If you are asking this question in the attempt to get your medical insurance to pay for orthodontic care, don't bother... routine dental care is usually specifically not covered.

Medical\dental?: You are asking that question for what purpose? For insurance coverage? for the health and well-being of your son? Orthodontic treatment is rarely if ever considered medically necessary. From a dental standpoint the benefits are many: improved aesthetics and function and less chance of dental problems such as wear, periodontal, TMD, etc. You decide whether or not to seek treatment regardless.

Cuspids: The key to your question is the misaligned cuspids. If out of position they do not function properly to protect posterior teeth and jaw joints during function. A malocclusion is not life threatening. The question is one of quality of life as opposed to quantity of life. In the long run, resolving your son's malocclusion will be money well spent.

Yes in many cases : Orthodontic treatment is medically required due to TMJ, airway and significant speech problems. Your child’s orthodontist will be able to evaluate your child’s condition, helping you to determine whether your child will qualify for medically necessary orthodontic services. Always request per-authorization before you obtain any orthodontic treatment. Good luck.

Not a medical issue: From your dsecription of your son's problem, I would recommend braces to help improve his bite and alignment. However, they are not "medically" necessary unless he is having problems that prevent him from chewing properly, severe pain in his jaw or other severe health issues.

See an orthodontist: As the largest provider of medicaid services in our state, I both understand why you ask and would respectfully disagree with many of my colleagues answers. Medical necessity has a number of qualifiers as per medicaid criteria such as deep impinging bite, severe underbites and cross bites to name a few. If we are asking because of medicaid, see an ortho that accepts this insurance.

Not enough info: The term medically needed lends me to believe you are trying to use ACA dental coverage to cover your son's orthodontic treatment. There are very few major medical issues that require braces. W/o comprehensive ortho records and a complete medical history, no orthodontic specialist can make that determination by what you asked. Not enough information yet.