Malocclusion of Teeth: Cosmetic or Functional?
Malocclusion of teeth is a developmental disorder in which the teeth are not aligned properly. This condition causes upper and lower tooth misaligned; thus, they do not close properly. People with malocclusion of teeth will find it difficult to bite and close their mouths. It is one of the most common reasons for an orthodontic referral.
What causes malocclusion of teeth?
A cross-sectional study on children and teenagers reported that cavities are a definitive cause of dental malocclusion. However, the study also concluded that premature loss of primary teeth and a tendency to crowd permanent teeth affected the condition. The scientists also noted that all patients with dental malocclusion required preventive orthodontic treatment.
What are the symptoms of malocclusion?
In general, the symptoms of dental malocclusion include misalignment of the lower and upper teeth, changes in facial appearance, difficulty biting or chewing, and changes in speech (slurred). In addition, individuals with dental malocclusion also tend to mouth breathe and bite their tongue and inner cheeks more frequently. Furthermore, dental malocclusion in children can also trigger tooth decay, gum disease, and pain in the jaw, causing the premature loss of baby teeth.
Can malocclusion be cured?
Dental malocclusion treatment is generally done to correct the jaw and teeth position. Braces can pull the teeth and jaw slowly. Braces will move the teeth consistently to shift into their proper position permanently. Furthermore, functional dental devices can still be used to treat Class II malocclusions. Installation of this dental appliance aims to correct the relationship between the functional jaw and the skeletal to form a flat facial soft tissue profile. This device offers a protrusive effect on the mandible and a restrictive impact on the maxilla.
For individuals who don’t want to wear braces, transparent dental aligners can also be used to align teeth.