Contents
What is Malocclusion?
Malocclusion is a dental condition where the upper and lower teeth don't align correctly when the jaws are closed. It can result in issues like overbites, underbites, or crowded teeth.
Malocclusion is a medical term that refers to the misalignment of teeth. When teeth are out of alignment, it becomes more challenging to chew, bite, and talk.
But an orthodontist, who is highly trained in treating all types of malocclusions, may successfully reposition your teeth in the jaw.
Orthodontic therapy employs a variety of tools and techniques to straighten a misaligned jaw and crooked teeth.
Classification of Malocclusion
Malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth when the jaws are closed, is typically classified into different categories based on the specific nature of the misalignment.
The classification system most commonly used by orthodontists is the Angle Classification System, which categorizes malocclusion into three classes:
Class 1 Malocclusion
An overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth is known as a class 1 malocclusion, often referred to as a class 1 occlusion and a class 1 bite. It occurs as a result of childhood thumb-sucking or chronic bottle use.
However, it doesn't significantly damage your bite and can be corrected with minimal malocclusion treatment.
Three types of class 1 malocclusion exist in teeth.
- In type 1, the teeth slant towards the tongue.
- Type 2 has upper teeth that protrude out in narrow arches, and bottom teeth are inclined towards the tongue.
- The upper teeth are crowded and incline towards the tongue in type 3 malocclusion.
Class 2 Malocclusion
The top teeth protruding over the lower teeth is another sign of class 2 malocclusion, sometimes referred to as class 2 occlusion and class 2 bite.
However, this severe malocclusion will dramatically alter your bite. Early orthodontic treatment is required.
Your teeth's alignment may need to be corrected over several visits as a part of malocclusion treatment.
However, it is treatable permanently. There are 2 subtypes of class 2 malocclusion.
- In division 1, upper teeth slant towards the lips.
- In division 2, The upper central incisors incline towards the tongue.
Class 3 Malocclusion
Class 3 malocclusion is a kind of underbite in which the lower teeth protrude over the upper teeth.
It is also referred to as class 3 occlusion and class 3 bite. When some upper teeth and some lower teeth overlap, it can also be a crossbite.
Based on how the teeth are positioned, class 3 malocclusion is further split into 3 categories.
- Teeth of type 1 produce an unusually formed arch.
- The lower front teeth are inclined towards the tongue in type 2 malocclusion.
- Additionally, type 3 has an irregular upper arch and top teeth are inclined towards the tongue.
What Are The Different Types Of Teeth Malocclusion?
The following list includes the numerous sorts of bites that teeth can exhibit:
1. Overcrowding
Overcrowding is a frequent problem that is frequently caused by a shortage of space because of overlapping or misplaced teeth.
Crowding occurs when there is either too much or not enough room for the teeth, and this can have a negative effect on the emergence of permanent teeth.
2. Openbite
An aperture that leads directly into the mouth is created when the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap with another one. The issue of an open bite can also develop on the mouth's sides.
3. Overjet
An overjet occurs when the top front teeth cross over the lower front teeth horizontally and obstruct speech and eating.
4. Overbite
Although some overlapping of the lower front teeth is normal, an enhanced overbite can occur when the lower front teeth can additionally bite into the roof of the mouth when the upper front teeth are biting directly into the gums.
5. Underbite
An underbite, sometimes referred to as an anterior crossbite, is caused when the lower front teeth are placed further forward than the higher front teeth.
6. Crossbite
When the upper front teeth bite directly inside the lower teeth, a crossbite can occur on one or both sides of the jaw. Your front or back teeth may also be affected by the illness.
7. Diastema
The space between two neighbouring teeth, typically the front teeth, is referred to as a diastema.
8. Unaffected Tooth
An impacted tooth needs to be removed or exposed to fit a brace because it cannot normally erupt from the gum.
9. Missing tooth
This disorder, also known as hypodontia, develops as a result of trauma or poor tooth development.
How to Diagnose Malocclusion?
During routine dental examinations, a dentist looks for malocclusion in youngsters, and if the child's teeth seem out of alignment or his jaw is distorted, an orthodontist may be consulted. Next, the orthodontist will look at:
- Medical background of the child to determine any previous health issues in the mouth and teeth.
- X-rays of the face and teeth.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, every kid should have a dental examination with an orthodontist by the age of seven, and routine dental checkups should start at twelve months.
Regular dental checkups aid in the early detection of dental issues so that timely treatment can be started.
How to Treat Malocclusion of Teeth?
1. Braces
Braces are one of the most effective and proven methods for correcting malocclusion. For children and teenagers, tooth extractions may sometimes be needed before starting treatment.
Braces work by gradually aligning the teeth and jaw, improving both your bite and smile. Your orthodontist may suggest different types of braces, including lingual braces, ceramic braces, or metal braces, depending on your needs.
The treatment outcome largely depends on the severity of the malocclusion and the type of braces used.
2. Retainers
Removable orthodontic appliances, like retainers, are preferred for their convenience. Devices such as headgear and retainers help maintain the alignment achieved through braces.
Retainers play a crucial role in ensuring that teeth remain straight after orthodontic treatment.
The success of treatment depends on the level of misalignment and how consistently the patient wears their custom-made retainers or headgear.
3. Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are an excellent option for correcting various types of malocclusion, including underbites, open bites, overbites, and crossbites.
These transparent aligner trays are nearly invisible and must be worn for 20-22 hours a day. They are removable, providing flexibility while maintaining effective pressure on the teeth and jaw to gradually align them.
Clear aligners offer a discreet way to improve your smile and correct bite issues without the visibility of traditional braces.
Conclusion
Orthodontic therapy typically lasts up to two years, but it may take longer for adults.
If you're an adult and your orthodontist proposes having your jaw operated on, you might want to consider getting a second opinion to make sure you make the best choice possible.
The majority of malocclusions are inherited and cannot be treated. You discourage your kids from sucking their thumbs to prevent malocclusion.
When teeth are lost, malocclusion can occur. If you lose a tooth, you might need dental implants or a bridge to fill the teeth gap.
Malocclusion treatment takes time. While your teeth are carefully corrected, braces will likely be on your teeth for several months to more than a year.
You might need to modify some of your daily routines to make room for your braces and ensure they don't negatively impact your general dental health.
As you wear braces, discuss oral hygiene with your healthcare practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Malocclusion Cause Tooth Pain?
When biting or chewing, malocclusion can be extremely painful because the rapid, unbalanced pressure that puts too much strain on a tooth may result in pulp chamber inflammation.
Is Malocclusion Bad?
Malocclusion refers to improper tooth alignment. Occlusion is the term used to describe tooth alignment and the way the upper and lower teeth bite together.
The most frequent reason for an orthodontist referral is malocclusion. The majority of malocclusions are minor enough to not need treatment.
Can Braces Fix Malocclusion?
Orthodontics or braces are typically used to address malocclusion. Some more severe malocclusions can need surgery.
Can Malocclusion Fix Itself?
It is significant to note that epidemiological studies show that malocclusions do not spontaneously correct themselves with time and growth, regardless of the kind.
In fact, without specialised treatment, the majority of dental and skeletal malocclusion issues in children tend to get worse over time.
How to Fix Malocclusion without Braces?
Adults with minor to moderate malocclusion of the teeth can correct their bites and smiles by wearing a clear plastic aligner.
These appliances are removable, so the patient wears them as directed by the dentist until the aligner forces the teeth into the proper position.
Can Invisible Aligners Fix Class 3 Malocclusion?
In addition to straightening crooked teeth, transparent aligners can help improve a poor bite. Malocclusion is another name for a poor bite.
Depending on the degree, having a malocclusion might result in numerous dental problems. Dentists frequently advise starting treatment early to avoid tooth problems in the future.
