A perfect smile is more than just having clean, straight teeth, your teeth also need to align properly when biting down. The dental malocclusion, or the misaligned bite, may occur if your teeth do not align properly.
Even if it may be new to you, malocclusion of teeth is actually rather common and may affect your appearance, speech, as well as your dental health.
First, we will understand malocclusion and list the different types, what causes it, name the symptoms and provide the details of treating it.
What is Malocclusion of Teeth?
It happens when your teeth don’t fit together properly when you close your mouth. In normal conditions, upper teeth should overlie lower teeth, and points of molars should be aligned with grooves of corresponding molars. Malocclusion means your mouth is unable to align your upper and lower teeth.
Malocclusion ranges anywhere from slight overcrowding to major functional problems. It can be lifelong if not treated properly, beginning from early on through adulthood. Though many people get to know of malocclusion in a dental visit, however, people suffering from severe cases may be conscious of symptoms that can affect their everyday life.
Types of Malocclusion
Understanding these types of dental malocclusion helps you better understand your dental condition:
Class 1: Normal Bite with Minor Issues
The most common type of malocclusion is Class 1. In Class 1:
- The alignment is mostly straight with a tendency to either crowding or gaps at the teeth.
- Upper teeth overlap lower teeth, but it is more or less considered functional.
Example: The front teeth are crowded, but do not contribute largely to biting difficulties.
Class 2: Overbite
This class has a significant overlap of the upper teeth and jaw over the lower teeth and jaw. Its position of the lower jaw makes it appear as if it is set backward.
Example: The upper front teeth could overlap the lower teeth by a lot if you closed your mouth.
Class 3: Underbite
The lower jaw is located more forward from the upper tooth and jaw configuration. The chin appears more prominent or pointed.
Example: In cases where the lower teeth protrude the front of the upper teeth.
Some other possible conditions include an open bite, a crossbite, or a problem with the spacing of teeth or the crowding of teeth.
Dental Malocclusion Causes
Malocclusion is frequently caused by the combined effects of inherited and environmental factors. reply
Genetics
- In many cases, misaligned teeth or jaw structure is often within a family.
- Malocclusion in parent(s) history enhances the likelihood that their children possibly will develop it.
Childhood Habits
- Thumb sucking beyond age 3.
- Prolonged use of a pacifier or bottle in childhood.
- Retaining the habit of thrusting tongue against the front teeth while swallowing.
These patterns end up causing abduction of the jaw shape and disruptions in tooth growth.
Abnormal Tooth Development
- Additional teeth, etc., the absence of certain teeth, or teeth that are blocked from coming in normally.
- Non Matching dental work to the shape and size of surrounding teeth.
Jaw or Facial Injuries
Any injury affecting the jaw, may end up causing misaligned teeth.
Tumors or Cysts
Untreated growth in the mouth of the jaw can disrupt alignment through changes in the structure of bones.
Symptoms of Malocclusion
The degree to which the misalignment is visible determines the extent of the combined symptoms. There is a significant difference in the prevalence of symptoms – there are those who experience no problems whatsoever, while there are those who have very significant problems.
How to spot one of the most visible signs and symptoms of malocclusion include:
- Crooked, crowded or overlapping teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Difficulties with speech, including lisps, etc.
- Jaw pain or discomfort
- The mouth will produce a clicking or popping sound when opening or closing.
- An unattractive smile or improper structure of the face
Negligence of malocclusion, such as a left hand, may lead to tooth decay or gum infection, or even TMJ disorder.
Treatment Options
Treatment procedures for malocclusion of teeth are personalized for individual patients depending on the extent of misalignment, age of the patient, and the overall health of their mouth. The following treatment methods are the main ones available:
1. Braces
Small and slow tooth movement can be brought about by utilizing either metal or clear teeth braces.
- Appropriate for patients across all ages, young adults, teenagers and adults.
- Treatments generally last for 1 – 3 years, depending on the patients’ case.
2. Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Soft take-out Invisalign clear aligners, which are intended to move teeth into a new alignment.
- Randomly chosen by older patients as they are virtually invisible.
- Specially recommended for less severe misalignments of patients.
3. Retainers
Teeth retainers can be used after the braces/connectors or aligner treatment, ensuring that the teeth remain aligned.
- Can be removable or fixed.
- Helps prevent relapse.
4. Tooth Removal
When overcrowding arises, dentists at SmileOn will typically suggest pulling one or more teeth to let the teeth realign properly.
5. Surgery
In severe cases, most notably in adult jaw orthognathic surgery, may be necessary to achieve proper alignment.
- Often combined with orthodontic treatment.
- Such correction will be needed if braces alone will not manage advanced class 2 or 3 malocclusion.
6. Dental Appliances
The development of jaws and their teeth formation in children can be manipulated by the use of devices such as palate expanders or space maintainers.
Final Thoughts
It’s better to notice early and follow up with the appropriate treatment plan to manage dental malocclusion. If you or your child shows the symptoms of a misaligned jaw, consult a dentist or orthodontist at SmileOn.
Treatment can help restore proper function and relieve discomfort, as well as improve your self-esteem and smile for years.
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