What is malocclusion?
Malocclusionliterally means bad bite. Some children's jaws and teeth do not develop properly. Malocclusion refers to crooked, misaligned teeth and a fault in the relation between the bottom and top set of teeth (the two dental arches).
Generally, malocclusions do not affect physical health, malocclusion is not a disease, it is a variation in the normal position of teeth. However, it may impact on the shape of the person's face and the appearance of their teeth, which can lead to embarrassment, a lack of self-confidence, and even depression.
Severe malocclusion may affect eating, speech and keeping the teeth clean.
Indian health authorities say that approximately one third of all 12 year-olds in the country probably need orthodontic treatment. People may require orthodontic treatment for different problems:-
- The front teeth protrude -treatment not only improves the patient's appearance, but also protects the teeth from damage; people with protruding front teeth are more likely to injure them in sports, falling down, etc.
- Crowding - if the patient's jaw is narrow, there may not be enough space for all the teeth. In such cases we may remove one or more teeth to make room for the others.
- Impacted teeth - as the adult teeth come through, they are not in the right position.
- Asymmetrical teeth - the upper and lower teeth do not match, especially when the mouth is closed but the teeth are showing.
- Deep bite (overbite) - when the teeth are clenched, the upper ones come down over the lower ones too much.
- Reverse bite - when the teeth are clenched, the upper teeth bite inside the lower ones.
- Open bite - when the teeth are clenched, there is an opening between the upper and lower teeth.
- Underbite - the upper teeth are too far back, or the lower teeth a too far forward ("bulldog" appearance).
- Crossbite - at least one of the upper teeth does not come down slightly in from of the lower teeth when the teeth are clenched; they are too near the cheek.
There are many factors that can contribute to developing malocclusions, some of which are:-
- Hereditary or genetic
- Thumb sucking and pacifiers
- Lip biting
- Tongue thrusting or a large tongue
- Mouth breathing
- Congenitally missing teeth or extra teeth
- Smaller teeth or large jaw
- Early removal/ loss of milk teeth due to cavities
Very few people have perfect teeth alignment. By treating moderate or severe malocclusion, the teeth are easier to clean and there is less risk of tooth decay and periodontal diseases (gingivitis or periodontitis). Treatment eliminates strain on the teeth, jaws, and muscles, which lessens the risk of breaking a tooth and may reduce symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders.
The goal is to correct the positioning of the teeth. One or more teeth may need to be removed if overcrowding is part of the problem. Rough or irregular teeth may be adjusted down, reshaped, and bonded or capped. Surgery may be required on rare occasions. This may include surgical reshaping to lengthen or shorten the jaw (orthognathic surgery).
