What You Need to Know About Malocclusion

Occlusion is the termed used to refer to the alignment of teeth. Ideally, teeth should be able to fit the mouth without any crowding or spacing in between them. Malocclusion occurs when there is something wrong with the alignment of your pearly whites. Other terms for malocclusion are: crowded teeth, misaligned teeth, crossbite, overbite, underbite, or open bite. The misalignment of teeth is usually genetic in nature.

Other Causes of Malocclusion

Although malocclusion is normally inherited, there are other conditions and habits that can also alter the shape and structure of the jaw. Some examples of these are:

• Overuse of pacifier by children over the age of 3
• A cleft lip and palate
• Prolonged bottle feeding and thumb sucking during early childhood
• Serious injuries that causes the misalignment of the jaw
• Tumors in the mouth and jaw area
• Poor dental care

Symptoms of Malocclusion

The symptoms of malocclusion can vary, depending on the classification and cause of the misalignment. Here are some typical symptoms, which can vary from subtle to severe:

• Change in the appearance and shape of the face
• Discomfort while chewing or biting
• Speech problems like lisping
• Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose

Treatment Options

If you have noticed some of the symptoms mentioned above, you should consult with your dentist for treatment options. Cosmetic dentistry is a wide field that can offer total smile makeovers for those who want to correct their occlusion. Such options are as follows:

• Braces to correct teeth positioning
• Teeth removal to correct overcrowding
• Surgeries for the serious cases that require reshaping or shortening of the jaw
• Using wires or plates to stabilize the jaw bone

 No matter what the case, cause, or classification of your malocclusion is a visit to your dentist will be life changing.