Dental or tooth malocclusions are common issues that patients often experience, necessitating orthodontic treatment. Malocclusion can cause other long-term repercussions apart from bite and aesthetic problems. This can include delayed speech development or even jaw pain problems in juveniles. Malocclusions are common, affecting people of all ages. It is essential to diagnose and treat malocclusion early. Malocclusions do not always cause problems, but understanding the different types and their potential effects can help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
Understanding Dental Occlusion
Dental occlusion is the manner in which your teeth fit together in the jaw, the upper maxillary teeth and lower mandibular teeth. The ideal teeth occlusion enables better chewing and swallowing while ensuring the production of clear sounds for speech and maintaining postural balance. Scientific research on malocclusion reveals the fundamental importance of the physiological resting posture of the teeth in relation to the jawbone. During this period, the muscular contraction of the entire jaw is weak and symmetrical, stable, and repetitive.
There is no perfect dental bite because most people lack ideal tooth alignment. A regular or acceptable bite may have some imperfections, including overlap and rotation of certain teeth, but it allows for the proper functioning of the teeth. Properly aligned teeth allow easier cleaning, brighter smiles, and slow down the formation of cavities or gingivitis. If the issue is more severe, it is referred to as dental malocclusion.
Characteristics Of Malocclusion
A dental malocclusion is characterised by an imperfect tooth arrangement, which disturbs or prevents the proper assembly of the lower teeth with the upper teeth. This often prevents the muscular function of the jaws. The following are some of the symptoms of dental malocclusion.
If an occlusal dysfunction disrupts the proper function of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), it is referred to as a TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joints are the two joints between the lower jaw and the skull. You can suffer from many physiological and psychological issues because of TMJ disorders. This includes speech issues, migraines, and fatigue.
Types Of Malocclusion And Classes
There are various types and classes of malocclusions. They are classified based on the plane they affect. These are:
Sagittal Malocclusion
Sagittal malocclusion is characterised by poor positioning of upper and lower molars. It is divided further into the following classes:
Class One Malocclusion
Class one malocclusion is characterized by a normal bite, no malocclusion or poor bite, but dental alignment issues, such as gaps or crowding. This class is also characterized by a predisposition to oral health issues, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, and caries. Additionally, the tooth surface tends to have more erosion.
Class Two Malocclusion
Class two malocclusion is characterized by the first upper molar being further forward than the first lower molar. The upper incisors are also tilted in or out of the mouth, a condition that is commonly known as dental protrusion. Patients with class two malocclusion have their lower lip and chin retracted in comparison to the upper arch. The following are some of the repercussions of class two dental malocclusion:
- A higher risk of suffering from bruxism, and
- Excessive wearing of the teeth
Class Three Malocclusion
Class three malocclusion is characterized by the lower jaw being far forward than the upper jaw. Bone or dental issues cause it. Besides aesthetic repercussions, class three malocclusion often causes severe problems with the temporomandibular joint and bite trauma. It also causes an edge-to-edge bite where the top teeth and front bottom teeth come into contact when biting. The upper front teeth close down in front of the bottom front teeth in a normal bite.
Vertical Malocclusion
In some cases, there is only contact between the lower and upper teeth in vertical malocclusions, depending on the specific issue. Vertical malocclusion is categorized as follows:
Overbite Malocclusion
The top front teeth cover more than a third of the lower front teeth with overbite malocclusion, especially when you close your mouth. However, there is contact between the molars and premolars. The front teeth often make the lower teeth nearly invisible.
Open Bite Malocclusion
With open bite malocclusion, the teeth do not overlap vertically. The front teeth of people with an open bite malocclusion do not touch when they bite.
Spacing
Various factors can cause spacing between teeth. The common causes include small teeth, missing teeth, and certain dental habits, such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.
Diastema
A diastema is also known as a tooth gap. It often occurs between the top front teeth.
Crossbite
A crossbite is characterized by the upper teeth being positioned behind the lower teeth. This can happen on either side of a patient’s jaw. It can also occur in the front or back of the mouth.
Underbite
Also known as an anterior crossbite, an underbite occurs when the lower front teeth are positioned too far forward compared to the upper front teeth. It can cause wear on the enamel edges, as well as difficulty speaking and chewing.
Missing Tooth
A missing tooth is also known as hypodontia. Some patients can lose a tooth naturally, while others may experience tooth loss due to trauma or a specific dental issue.
Impacted Tooth
An impacted tooth is stuck within the gums and cannot fully erupt into the mouth. This often happens with canines and wisdom teeth.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding is characterized by a lack of sufficient space to fit all the teeth in the mouth. This can cause overlapping or crooked teeth or teeth being rotated.
Transverse Malocclusion
There is a discrepancy in the width of the lower and upper jaws in transverse malocclusion. Transverse malocclusion is categorized into two types:
Scissor Bite Malocclusion
Scissor bite malocclusion is characterized by the collision of the palatal surfaces of the top molars and premolars with the buccal surfaces.
Posterior Crossbite Malocclusion
With posterior crossbite malocclusion, the premolars and molars of the upper jaw close and touch down inside the lower jaw.
Causes Of Teeth Malocclusion
Several factors can contribute to tooth malocclusion. They include:
Genetic And Developmental Factors
The genetic and developmental factors include:
Impacted Tooth
An impacted tooth is one that is partially or fully trapped in the gum tissue. This can cause neighbouring teeth to move into incorrect positions, resulting in malocclusion.
Cleft Lip And Palate
Dentists claim that there is a significant relationship between cleft lip and palate and malocclusion. This often happens when the lips or mouth of an infant fails to fuse properly.
Birth Defects
Birth defects, like cleft lip and palate, can cause malocclusion. However, various medical and dental procedures can correct dental issues caused by birth defects.
Natural Genetic Variances
Genetics plays a significant role in the development of malocclusion. It can significantly influence the position and size of the jaws.
Childhood Practices And Habits
Certain childhood habits and practices can lead to malocclusion. They include the following:
Use of a Pacifier For A Long time
Using a pacifier for an extended period can cause the teeth to shift into new positions. This often happens on the top front teeth.
Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking usually exerts pressure on the top front teeth. As a result, the teeth become flared and spaced out with time.
Bottle Feeding
Similar to thumb sucking or using a pacifier, malocclusion is often associated with bottle feeding. Using bottle feeding for an extended period can cause the upper teeth to shift out of their natural positions.
Dental Health And Structural Factors
Malocclusion can also result from certain dental health and structural issues:
Poorly fitted Braces, Crowns, or Dental Fillings
Poorly fitted braces, crowns, or dental fillings can cause dental malocclusion. Your dental expert should check and ensure orthodontic appliances and dental restorations are correctly fitted.
Tumors In The Mouth
Your teeth can shift if you have tumors in the mouth, leading to facial asymmetry depending on the degree of the cancer.
Injuries And Trauma
You can suffer dental malocclusion along with many other oral problems because of dental trauma and injuries. You should avoid accidents by all means.
Airway Obstructed By Allergies or Enlarged Adenoids
Allergic reactions and enlarged tonsils or adenoids can cause malocclusion. This can result in airway obstruction and, in turn, cause you to adjust your bite regularly to help you breathe properly.
Lack Of Dental Care
You can suffer from malocclusion because of poor dental care. It can also constitute poor oral habits, such as thumb-sucking or nail-biting.
Tooth And Jaw Problems
Teeth and jaw issues can also lead to malocclusion:
Rotated Teeth
Rotated teeth will return to their normal positions, coming together correctly. Additionally, rotated teeth can also cause the teeth to shift over time.
Missing Teeth
Losing several teeth without replacement can cause malocclusion. You risk suffering several dental issues if your teeth shift out of alignment.
Tooth Loss
You could suffer malocclusion if you lose a tooth without replacement. The gaps in the mouth can cause neighboring teeth to shift into the space, potentially altering your bite.
Symptoms Of Malocclusion
The signs of malocclusion can be identified easily. Some of the signs include:
Pain When Biting or Chewing
It can be hard for you to bite or chew if you have teeth or jaws that are misaligned. You may experience discomfort while eating, which can cause wear on your tooth enamel.
Crooked Teeth
A common sign of malocclusion is crooked teeth. Seek a solution for crowded teeth immediately to avoid oral issues, such as tooth enamel wear, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Biting Tongue or Cheeks Often
You could bite your tongue or cheeks regularly if your teeth or jaws are not in their proper positions. You are also likely to suffer oral soreness or discover bite lines on the inside of your cheeks or tongue.
Difficulty Closing or Opening Your Mouth
The joint that helps open and close your mouth can fail to function if your jaws are not properly aligned. This can result in temporomandibular joint disorders.
Facial, Ear, / Jaw Pain
A bad bite and misaligned teeth can strain the jaw muscles and nearby facial muscles. As a result, you can suffer jaw, ear, / facial pain.
Malocclusion Diagnosis
Your dentist can diagnose malocclusion in the following ways:
Inquiry Into Dental And Medical History
Your dentist will ask you about your dental and medical history. They will ask you about your current medications and past surgeries to help establish any conditions that may affect your dental treatment.
Examination Of Mouth And Teeth
Assessment of your mouth and teeth is essential to determine any existing pathologies, including malocclusion. Your dentist will also perform head, neck, and cancer screening during a routine assessment.
Taking Jaw And Teeth X-Rays
Dental X-rays are essential for assessing your jaws and teeth. Your dental expert can take several intraoral radiographs. He/she can also take X-rays, including cone-beam CT scans, cephalograms, and panoramic images.
Crafting Teeth Molds To Check
Your dental expert can take a traditional or digital impression or dental mold of your teeth. This will assist him/her in making the correct diagnosis of your bite.
Treatments For Malocclusion
The following are the standard treatments for malocclusion:
Invisalign
Your dentist can use removable clear plastic aligner trays to move your teeth. They are custom-made to fit your teeth and gently move them with pressure.
Tooth Extraction
The dentist may recommend tooth extraction if you have a severe case of malocclusion.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery could be the best for you if you have severe malocclusion. This will reposition your teeth and jaws in their proper position.
Dental Bonding
Your teeth alignment can be improved using cosmetic dental bonding procedures. This constitutes the use of a tooth-colored dental restorative material.
Dental Retainers
Dental retainers are removable and custom-made to fit the position of your teeth.
Preventive Ways Of Controlling Malocclusion
There are several ways to prevent malocclusion. They include:
- Dental trauma prevention
- Regular dental visits
- Avoid prolonged bottle-feeding
- Limit thumb-sucking and the use of a pacifier
Find A Reputable Dentist Near Me
You could have malocclusion or a bad bite if your upper and lower teeth do not align when you close your mouth. If left unaddressed, malocclusion can lead to dental cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. The standard treatment for malocclusion is braces or other suitable orthodontic treatments. In severe malocclusion cases, surgery might be needed.
Malocclusion is hereditary, meaning that you are likely to have the condition if your parents, siblings, grandparents, or other relatives have malocclusion. Dental trauma and tooth loss can also cause malocclusion. If you or a loved one has malocclusion and requires reliable treatment in Encino, CA, our dentists at Lasting Impressions Dental Spa can provide the help you need. Please call us at 818-751-5100 to speak with one of our dentists.
