Malocclusion is the misalignment of teeth and improper fitting of
upper and lower teeth (bite). The ideal condition should show that all
upper teeth fit slightly over the lower teeth or the points of the
molars match the groves of the opposing molar. When a patient is not
suffering from malocclusion, all his teeth are aligned, straight, and
spaced proportionally. It is a common condition because very few people
have perfect occlusion though most abnormal conditions are simple and
minor which do not require treatment.
Most often than not,
malocclusion is being inherited. If the upper and lower jaws or between
jaw and tooth size are disproportioned, it will result to overcrowding
of teeth or abnormal bite patterns. To some who have not inherited it
but has a habit of thumbsucking or tongue thrusting during infancy, they
might also develop malocclusion as these habits can affect the shape of
jaws also. Moreover, the improper fit of dental appliances, crowns, or
fillings may cause misaligned teeth also. Some accidents that may cause
misalignment of jaw fractures or tumors of the mouth may contribute to
malocclusion as well. Other causes of malocclusion include extra teeth,
impacted or lost teeth, and teeth that erupt in an abnormal direction.
There
are several types of Malocclusion and the most common is the first type
or crowding (Type 1) which occurs when the bite is normal but teeth are
crowded. Retrognathism or overbite (Type 2) refers to malocclusion
where the upper jaw and teeth overlaps the bottom jaw and teeth.
Prognathism or underbite (Type 3) happens when the lower jaw protrudes
forward and the lower teeth extend over the upper teeth.
At an
early age, usually during the first growth of tooth, malocclusion can be
detected especially when the child loves pacifier or bottle until the
age of three. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. Children who
have it may improve over time as the jaw grows through the teen years.
Symptoms for adults will typically get worse over the years if not given
attention. If the patient has a poor bite that causes difficulty in
chewing food, has the tendency to bite cheek or roof of the mouth, has
trouble saying certain words (speech defects), suffers from pain in the
facial muscles or jaw, or permanent teeth are erupting at the wrong
position, he must submit to a dentist for observation and treatment.
The
effects of malocclusion differ depending on the severity of the
condition. Mild problems need little treatment or cosmetic dentistry
help. On the other hand, severe malocclusion requires orthodontic
treatment. Some patients may suffer from difficulty in eating and
speaking while others are embarrassed on their crooked or protruding
teeth. Although a poor bite does not usually submit from the risks of
tooth decay and periodontal diseases, the patient may still develop more
teeth problems because it is harder to clean misaligned teeth.
Symptoms and Effects of Malocclusion
![Symptoms and Effects of Malocclusion]()
Reviewed by Merlyn Rosell
Published :
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Published :
Rating : 4.5
