What is malocclusion?
The technical term for teeth that do not fit together correctly is ‘malocclusion’. Most malocclusions are inherited, however, it is possible to acquire a bad bite from habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking. The premature loss of baby teeth or the extraction of adult teeth can cause the development of a malocclusion. Inherited malocclusions are usually caused by difference between the size of the teeth and the size of the jaw structure. Whether inherited or acquired, malocclusions affect not only the alignment of the teeth, but also the appearance of the face.
Definition Malocclusion is a problem in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together in biting or chewing. The word malocclusion literally means “bad bite.” The condition may also be referred to as an irregular bite, crossbite, or overbite. Description Malocclusion may be seen as crooked, crowded, or protruding teeth. It may affect a person’s appearance, speech, and/or ability to eat. Causes and symptoms Malocclusions are most often inherited, but may be acquired. Inherited conditions include too many or too few teeth, too much or too little space between teeth, irregular mouth and jaw size and shape, and atypical formations of the jaws and face, such as a cleft palate. Malocclusions may be acquired from habits like finger or thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, premature loss of teeth from an accident or dental disease, and medical conditions such as enlarged tonsils and adenoids that lead to mouth breathing. Malocclusions may be symptomless or they may produce pain from increased stres
Malocclusion is defined as the improper positioning of the teeth and jaws. It is highly variable and affects the normal growth and development of the mouth. Other issues that may arise is an improper bite, the inability to clean teeth properly, irritated gum tissue, speech development and appearance. What causes malocclusion? Malocclusions develop from a variety of factors that range from heredity to the environment. The shape and size of the face, jaws and teeth are mostly determined by inheritance. Your dentist is specially trained to address different types of malocclusions and recommend treatment that is best suited for your child. How long does it take to treat a malocclusion? The dentist will assess your child’s mouth and provide an estimate of the length of time it will take to treat the malocclusion. In some cases, the treatment may be divided up into several phases, which follows the child’s normal growth pattern and development. Every child presents an individual case and is
Malocclusion is the improper positioning of the teeth and jaws. It is a variation of normal growth and development which can affect the bite, the ability to clean teeth properly, gum tissue health, jaw growth, speech development and appearance. Q: What causes malocclusion? Both heredity and environmental factors can play a role in developing malocclusions. The shape and size of the face, jaws and teeth are determined mostly by inheritance. Environmental factors can also have a large impact and these are the types of problems which the pediatric dentist is well trained to manage. Q: How long does it take to treat a malocclusion? Every child is unique and must be treated individually. The pediatric dentist will provide an estimate of the length of time required prior to initiating treatment. In complex malocclusions the treatment may be divided into several phases which are scheduled to coincide with the child’s particular pattern of growth and development. Q: Is it necessary to remove h
