Occlusion is a term used to refer to the alignment of teeth. The great thing would be that the teeth would fit easily inside the mouth without crowding or spaces. Furthermore, none of the teeth should be bent. The teeth of the upper jaw slightly overlap the teeth of the lower jaw so that the molar points fit on opposite molars.
A deviation from ideal occlusion is called malocclusion. If the teeth are misaligned, they will not be able to perform vital functions for which they are designed and can cause problems in oral health. Is required alignment of the upper teeth to prevent the cheeks and lips suffer injuries due to bites, while the alignment of the lower teeth is needed to protect the language.
In more colloquial terms, the malocclusion of the teeth is also known as: crowded teeth, misaligned teeth, crossbite, overbite, open bite or bite.
What causes malocclusion?
The typical malocclusion is transmitted through heredity, which means it is passed from one generation to the next. Statistics indicate that only 30 to 40 percent of the population has perfectly aligned teeth.
Although in most cases, malocclusion is inherited, there are some conditions or habits that can alter the shape and structure of the jaw.
Here are some examples of bad habits that cause malocclusion:
- Cleft lip and cleft palate.
- Using a pacifier after age three.
- Prolonged use of bottle-feeding in infancy.
- Thumb sucking in infancy.
- Injuries that occur misalignment in the jaw.
- Tumors of the mouth or jaw.
- Abnormally shaped or impacted teeth.
- Poor dental care.
What are the symptoms of a malocclusion?
Depending on the classification of malocclusion, the symptoms of the disease may be mild or severe. The most typical symptoms of malocclusion are:
- The misalignment of teeth.
- Alteration in the appearance of the face.
- Discomfort when chewing or biting.
- Speech problems, including the development of a lisp.
- Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose.
Diagnosis and classification of malocclusion
Malocclusion of teeth diagnosed through routine dental exams. Your dentist can examine your teeth dental x-rays to determine if your teeth are properly aligned or otherwise deals with problems that can present this malocclusion. If malocclusion finally detected, it can be classified by type and severity.
There are three different classes of malocclusion:
- Class I: when the upper teeth overlap the lower. In this type of malocclusion, the bite is normal and overlap is slight.
- Class II: when there. retrognathism This condition occurs when the upper teeth and jaw, significantly overlap the lower teeth and jaw.
- Class III: when there is undershot. This means that the lower jaw protrudes, which causes the lower teeth with the upper teeth and jaws overlap.
How is a malocclusion of the teeth treated?
Most patients with mild malocclusion no treatment is required. However, if the malocclusion is serious, the dentist will recommend the use of orthodontics. Depending on your type of malocclusion, orthodontics may include:
- Orthotics to correct the position of the teeth.
- Extraction of teeth to correct overcrowding.
- Remodeling of teeth.
- Surgery to remodel, shorten and correct the jaw.
- Wires or plates to stabilize the jaw bone.
How can I prevent malocclusion?
Since most cases of malocclusion are inherited, prevent this disorder can be tricky. The only thing parents can do is to limit pacifier use and bottle, to help reduce the changes that may occur in the development of the jaw. Early detection of malocclusion helpsto reduce the duration of treatment necessary in correcting the problem.