Deviations from ideal occlusion are known as malocclusion. If the teeth are misaligned, they will not be able to perform vital functions and may cause health problems. Alignment of upper teeth is needed to prevent the cheeks and lips from being bitten, while alignment of lower teeth is needed to protect the tongue.

Malocclusion of teeth is also known as: crowded teeth, misaligned teeth, crossbite, overbite, underbite, or open bite.

What Causes Malocclusion?

Malocclusions typically inherited, meaning that it is passed down from one generation to the next. Statistics indicate that only 30 to 40 percent of the population has perfectly aligned teeth(Emerich & Wojtaszek-Slominska, 2010).

Although many cases of malocclusion are inherited, there are some conditions or habits that may alter the shape and structure of the jaw. These include:

cleft lip and palate

the use of a pacifier after the age of three

the prolonged use of bottle feeding in early childhood

thumb in mouth early childhood

injuries that result in the misalignment of the jaw

tumors in the mouth or jaw

abnormally shaped or impacted teeth

poor dental care that results in improperly fitting dental fillings, crowns, or braces

Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of a Malocclusion?

Depending on the classification of malocclusion, the symptoms of the disorder may be subtle or severe. Typical symptoms of malocclusion include:

1improper alignment of the teeth

2alteration in the appearance of the face

3discomfort when chewing or biting

4speech problems, including the development of a lisp

5breathing through the mouth rather than the nose

How Is a Malocclusion of the Teeth Treated?

Most patients with mild malocclusion will not require any treatment. However, if your malocclusion is severe, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist. Depending on your type of malocclusion, your orthodontist may recommend various treatments, which can include:

braces to correct the position of the teeth

removal of teeth to correct overcrowding

reshaping, bonding, or capping teeth

surgery to reshape or shorten the jaw

wires or plates to stabilize the jaw bone

regards

Dr chandan jha

DENTAL FITNESS-SADASHIVNAGAR