Many people visit their dentists for the correction of their improperly aligned teeth and jaw bones, a condition referred to as malocclusion. Malocclusion not only causes difficulties in eating and digestion, but can also make tooth cleaning and dental care difficult, resulting in various medical conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and dental caries.
Hence, it is imperative that this condition be promptly detected and cured. An orthodontist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of problems related to improper occlusion and maxillofacial deformities.
Causes of Malocclusion and Facial Asymmetry
Most cases of dento-facial deformities and malocclusion are hereditary in nature, while others occur due to childhood or adult maxillofacial injuries, and the development of abnormal dental habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and bruxism.
Types of Bad Bites
Dentists have identified several types of malocclusions, which are briefly discussed in the preceding text:
- Cross bite – this condition arises when the upper teeth are positioned sufficiently inside or outside the lower teeth, and cause difficulties in chewing as well as jaw movements.
- Crowding – this is a condition where there is insufficient room within the oral cavity for the teeth to erupt and properly align themselves. This may be caused either due to smaller jaw bones, larger teeth, or a combination of both.
- Deep Over bite – this occurs when there is excessive overlap between the front upper and lower teeth. In severe cases, the incisal edges of the upper anterior teeth touch the gums of the lower teeth, and the lower teeth are occluding with the roof of the mouth.
- Under bite – this is also referred to as the cross bite of the anterior teeth, and occurs when the lower anterior teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth. This condition can also manifest in case of difference of size or relative positioning of the upper and lower jaws.
- Open bite – this type of malocclusion occurs when there is a lack of occlusion between the upper and lower anterior teeth when the mouth is closed. As a result, not only chewing food becomes difficult, but there are also enhanced chances of caries and other dental infections. Furthermore, an excessive load is transferred to the posterior teeth during mastication, resulting in wear of the rear teeth.
- Excessive Spacing – spacing between teeth can result due to smaller tooth size or excessively large jaw bones, and results in difficulty in eating as well as presenting significant aesthetic problems.
Diagnosis of Occlusion-Related Problems
Diagnosis is usually made with the help of oral examination and patient’s presenting complaints. The diagnosis is confirmed with the help of diagnostic models and radiographs. An important step here is to determine whether the malocclusion is due to a dental problem or due to a skeletal problem, since treatment of each is different.
Treatment Options for Malocclusion Due To Dental Problems
Orthodontists use removable or fixed appliances for the correction of improper occlusion. The simpler cases are usually corrected with removable appliances, however, they require strict adherence to the dentist’s instructions regarding duration of wearing, as well as care of the appliance. More complex cases are best treated with the provision of a fixed appliance, such as dental braces, which are most commonly used for the correction of these cases.
Once the desired results have been achieved by the dentist, the patient is then provided with a retaining device, which may fixed or removable. The purpose of this device is to ensure that the teeth retain their newly attained position, and do not revert to their previous position.
Treatment Options for Malocclusion Due to Skeletal Problems
When malocclusion occurs due to misalignment or differences in the relative sizes of the maxilla and mandible, various orthodontic appliances are used, such as for jaw expansion or lengthening. Similarly, in very complex cases, a dentist may opt for surgical treatment, which involves surgical correction of the facial symmetry and relative positioning of the jaw bones. Sometimes, a combination of an orthodontic and surgical treatment might be required.
Can Malocclusion be corrected in Primary Dentition?
There is no benefit of correcting malocclusion in primary teeth as they are temporary and replaced with permanent teeth. The best time for treatment is when the permanent teeth have fully erupted and dento-facial growth is in progress.
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If you believe you have a bad bite and want to explore your options, we here at the Carrollton Josey Lane office are happy to help! With our experience and past patient reviews, you’ll know you’re in good hands.
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