What is Malocclusion?
Malocclusion refers to a deviation or disorder in the arrangement of teeth within the jaw, which can be caused by several factors. This may include improper alignment of teeth, presence of extra or fewer teeth than necessary, or even problems in the growth of the jaws.
When teeth are properly aligned, there is a natural alignment between the upper and lower teeth, allowing for proper mouth function. However, if there is any disruption in this arrangement, teeth may intersect, leading to problems such as difficulty in speaking or eating.
Types of Malocclusion:
There are four main categories of malocclusion, and here is a definition of each type:
1. Class I Malocclusion:
– This type is the most common among patients and involves limited overlap between the upper and lower teeth.
2. Class II Malocclusion:
– This grade is more complex than Class I, with a more severe overlap between the upper jaw and lower teeth. This type is sometimes referred to as an anterior overbite or retrognathism.
3. Class III Malocclusion:
– This type is characterized by misalignment of teeth and overlap of the lower jaw and teeth with the upper jaw and teeth.
4. Class IV Malocclusion:
– This grade is one of the most severe cases of malocclusion, involving significant variations in tooth and jaw alignment and may include severe overlap and major structural problems in the jaws.
Causes of Malocclusion:
Malocclusion is often genetic, causing dental misalignments and bite deviations, such as overcrowding of teeth or irregular bites.
Cleft lip represents a congenital defect that can lead to malocclusion.
Childhood habits such as extensive pacifier use after the age of three, bottle feeding, and thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can affect tooth distribution.
Having an excess or shortage of teeth can lead to irregular tooth arrangement.
Severe jaw injuries can cause dental misalignments.
Oral and jaw tumors can affect the structure of the mouth and cause malocclusion.
Symptoms of Malocclusion
Symptoms of malocclusion include:
1. Pain: Malocclusion can cause pain in the jaws, muscles, and teeth, with this pain worsening over time.
2. Headaches: Headaches may result from pressure on the jaws and muscles.
3. Speech difficulties: Patients may have difficulty pronouncing certain words correctly, and malocclusion can lead to difficulties in pronouncing sound letters.
4. Difficulty biting and chewing.
5. Tooth wear and fractures: Malocclusion can cause wear and tear and fractures in the teeth due to repeated pressure and friction.
6. Gum recession and inflammation: Malocclusion can lead to gum recession and tooth exposure, causing other health problems in the future.
7. Abnormal jaw shape: The face and jaws may show an abnormal shape, with one jaw being more advanced than the other and a lack of symmetry in facial features.
Treatment of Malocclusion:
Treatment for malocclusion depends on the type and severity of the malocclusion, and treatment primarily involves the use of braces to correct tooth positions and restore natural alignment.
Types of orthodontic braces used include:
1. Fixed braces:
– Used to gradually move teeth through metal brackets and wires.
– Regular adjustments are made to ensure the required alignment.
2. Removable braces:
– Allow teeth to be moved to desired positions with the option of removal and reinsertion.
3. Clear braces:
– A thermal plastic frame corrects tooth positions slightly and is regularly replaced.
4. Lingual braces:
– Similar to metal braces but fitted to the inner face of teeth, and regularly changed.
Some severe cases may require orthognathic surgery to permanently correct jaw alignment. These surgeries include cutting and repositioning jawbones and reattaching them using metal plates and screws.
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