How to Fix Malocclusion
Malocclusion refers to a number of types of misalignment of the teeth. If your child is losing their baby teeth and their secondary teeth are emerging out of alignment, or if dental x-rays indicate a misalignment or the secondary teeth, your dentist can refer you to an orthodontist, who will fix the issue. Malocclusion can also occur in adults for a few different reasons, and an orthodontist can address adult malocclusion as well, though it is often easier to treat malocclusions in younger people before the teeth are permanently fixed in place. Malocclusion can also lead to problems with oral hygiene, which is another good reason to address problems with alignment early on: it may help prevent larger issues, like gum disease, from developing later in life.
Malocclusion can be hereditary, and it can also be caused by external force on the teeth. It is common in children who sucked their thumb for an extended amount of time or who were bottle fed or used a pacifier beyond the recommended age. Malocclusion can also be caused by injury or trauma that affects the alignment of the jaw, impacted or misshapen teeth, tumors in the oral cavity, and inadequate oral hygiene or dental care. Malocclusion is classified by type and by severity. Class one malocclusions are common and not severe, appearing as a slight overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth. Class two malocclusions are present when the upper teeth significantly overlap the bottom teeth while biting, which arises when the jaw is significantly misaligned. A class three malocclusion is characterized by a severe underbite, in which the lower jaw protrudes and causes the lower front teeth to overlap the upper front teeth.
A primary dentist can diagnose general malocclusions. When a mild malocclusion is present, this may not require treatment, but when the malocclusion is more serious, the dentist will refer the patient to an orthodontist, who will diagnose the malocclusion more precisely and determine the best treatment for the specific condition. In most cases, malocclusions are fixed with braces, which realign the teeth and return them to their proper positions. Sometimes, some of the teeth may need to be extracted, like when the malocclusion is caused by overcrowding of the teeth in the jaw. Some malocclusions require reshaping the teeth in order to restore correct alignment, and, in some more severe cases, surgical procedures are necessary to reshape the jaw.
Treating malocclusions occurs in stages and can take several years. Over this time, you will visit with your orthodontist frequently, usually every month or two. This may seem like a serious commitment, and, if you’re a parent, you may want to protect your child from the experience. The reality is, however, that malocclusions affect the oral health and can also affect a person’s self-confidence, and treating a malocclusion will help improve both of these problems. Early treatment is most efficacious, but if you’re an adult with a malocclusion, an orthodontist can help restore your smile, too. Ask your dentist for a referral, and look forward to a future full of confident smiles.