Malocclusion is a condition when the teeth are not aligned properly.
What are the causes?
Malocclusion is mostly hereditary. Malocclusion is usually caused by problems with the shape or size of the jaw or teeth.
Other causes of malocclusion include:
- Childhood habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, pacifier use beyond age 3, and prolonged use of a bottle
- Extra teeth, lost teeth, impacted teeth, or abnormally shaped teeth
- Ill-fitting dental fillings, crowns, appliances, retainers, or braces
- Misalignment of jaw fractures after a severe injury
- Tumors of the mouth and jaw
There are different categories of malocclusion
- Class 1 malocclusion is the most common. The bite is normal, but the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth
- Class 2 malocclusion, called overbite, occurs when the upper jaw and teeth severely overlap the bottom jaw and teeth
- Class 3 malocclusion, called under bite, occurs when the lower jaw protrudes or juts forward, causing the lower jaw and teeth to overlap the upper jaw and teeth
How is Malocclusion treated?
In children and teens, crowding in the mouth is a common problem. So the first step in the treatment may be to remove some baby teeth to make room for the permanent teeth to grow in.
Some children may need an early treatment called growth modification. For this, the child wears a device that helps move the jaw into a better position. This treatment works best during a child’s growth spurts.
The next step is to attach braces. Braces slowly move the teeth to correct the bite. They can also help move a child’s jaw into the right position.
Braces can successfully straighten an adult’s teeth too. But the only way to correct an adult’s jaw problem is with surgery.
Teeth naturally tend to drift out of place, even after treatment with braces. So you may need to wear a device in your mouth called a retainer to keep your teeth from moving.
