Did you know many Australians have some degree of malocclusion? “Malo-what?” you’re probably thinking. Unless you spend time with orthodontists or are related to one, you might not be familiar with the term. But don’t worry – it’s simpler than you think.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about malocclusions.
What is malocclusion?
Malocclusion is the clinical term for teeth misalignment. It’s one of the most common oral health problems worldwide, affecting around 56% of the population, according to a European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry study.
Imagine biting down, but your teeth don’t align correctly – this is malocclusion. A bad bite can also occur if your teeth “don’t meet at all,” emphasises the American Association of Orthodontists.
“Your upper teeth should fit slightly over your lower teeth and your molars should fit in the grooves of the opposite molar,” explains the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO). Any deviation from this norm falls under the collective term of malocclusion.
In severe cases, crookedness, bad bites, and other misalignment issues can lead to complications if you don’t address them with proper treatment. The ASO recommends to “book a consultation with a specialist orthodontist who will examine your bite and provide the best advice for you and your smile.”
What causes malocclusion?
You’re likely born with teeth misalignment, but external factors can also play a part. Here are some causes of malocclusion:
1. Genetics
Studies suggest that genetics may be responsible for up to 60% of dental features, including teeth misalignments. “The condition is usually inherited which means it is passed on from generation to generation. This cannot be prevented,” explains the ASO.
Evidence also indicates that some genes can cause jawbones to grow irregularly, leading to bad bites. Genetics may result in “jaws that are too small to accommodate a full set of teeth and misaligned jaws that did not form properly.”
2. Harmful habits
Thumb-sucking, excessive dummy use, and tongue thrusting are some childhood habits that can lead to the development of malocclusions. These actions can put pressure on the teeth, making them protrude, tip forward, or form gaps.
3. An oversized oral tissue
According to the Australian Dental Association, misaligned teeth “may arise in a minority of individuals with a prominent lingual or labial frenum.” The former is the band of tissue connecting your tongue to the floor of the mouth, while the latter is the fleshy tissue connecting your lips to the gums.
4. Trauma
Trauma can also play a role in the formation of misalignments and bad bites. Injuries, falls, and accidents might affect your jaw structure and alter your bite.
5. Tumours
Tumour growths can also cause your jaw to shift, leading to a bad bite.
6. Poor diet
A British Journal on Nutrition study discovered a correlation between poor diet and oral health problems, including tooth loss. The research found that people who consumed low amounts of fruits and vegetables were more likely to have gaps.
Types of malocclusions
According to the ASO, the ideal bite should have the upper teeth connecting with the bottom row with only a slight overlap. It shouldn’t cover too much. Try clenching your jaw – if 90% of your lower teeth show, you may have the perfect bite.
Dental health professionals check for signs of misalignment by examining how your teeth line up and how your jaw comes together. Types of malocclusions include:
- Crowded teeth: The lack of space in your jaws causes the teeth to overlap and protrude at abnormal angles.
- Crossbite: The upper front teeth fall behind the bottom row of the teeth. Crossbites can affect the front or back teeth.
- Overjet: In an overjet, the top front teeth protrude beyond the bottom front teeth, creating a horizontal gap between them.
- Overbite: The upper front teeth cover almost all of the lower front teeth – so much so that they bite into the gums. Overbites can cause the bottom front teeth to sink into the mouth’s roof.
- Underbite: The jaw is severely misaligned, causing the lower teeth to protrude far beyond the upper teeth. People with an underbite may have an overly pronounced chin.
- Open bite: The upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, creating a space between them. An open bite can also occur on the sides of the mouth.
- Teeth gaps: Gaps between teeth can cause wobbling or breakage, and food particles can easily get stuck.
- Midline shift: The dental midline is an imaginary line running down the middle of your upper and lower teeth. If the line doesn’t fall between your upper and lower central incisors, you have a misalignment.
Take this online smile assessment to find out if you have any of these malocclusions.
Symptoms of misaligned teeth
The key to managing malocclusion is early detection and diagnosis. For example, you may notice you have misaligned teeth when you observe your smile in the mirror. Any alignment issue can also cause your facial structure to shift. However, some problems may be indiscernible if you can’t view your side profile or peek inside your mouth.
What happens if you don’t fix a malocclusion? Here are some ways crooked or crowded teeth may impact your life. Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you experience these.
- Stiffness or throbbing pain when chewing or biting into food
- Frequently biting your tongue or inner cheeks
- Breathing through your mouth
- Speech difficulties like lisps or articulation problems
- Uneven and excessive wearing of enamel and teeth
Orthodontic treatments for malocclusion
You might be wondering, “How do you relieve malocclusion pain?” Your doctor has the answer. The solution usually involves treating the malocclusion itself and not just the discomfort.
Orthodontists can diagnose teeth misalignment by performing oral checkups, X-rays, and dental impressions. Depending on your condition, some may recommend a complete dentofacial examination to assess facial symmetry and jaw structure. Treatment will depend on where your misaligned teeth fall in the three classes. Here’s a breakdown of how orthodontists can correct the condition:
Class 1 malocclusion treatment
In Class 1, no problems with the jaw angle are present. However, your dentist may spot issues like crossbites and overcrowding. They can correct these with orthodontic treatments like traditional braces, retainers, or clear aligners – like the ones from ClearCorrect.
ClearCorrect aligners consist of a tri-layer ClearQuartz material that makes them more comfortable, stain-resistant, and durable. And as the name suggests, they’re nearly invisible. They’re so discreet that other people might not even notice you’re wearing them. You can also easily pop them off during meals and oral hygiene upkeep to maintain their condition.
Class 2 malocclusion treatment
Irregular protrusion falls under Class 2, where the upper teeth extend past the lower row. The misalignment can manifest as an overjet or overbite.
Orthodontists may suggest splints or retainers (particularly in children), headgear, removable orthodontic appliances, elastics, or intraoral devices as treatment.
Class 3 malocclusion treatment
Class 3 misalignment shows an overly pronounced chin because the lower molars are positioned too far forward. It’s considered rare, but studies show it’s prevalent in Asian populations.
Orthodontists may prescribe dental appliances like a “face mask” or reverse chin cup. These must be worn full-time, except when eating, playing, or brushing teeth.
How to manage malocclusions
Seek the expertise of an orthodontist to address misaligned teeth. Treatment typically involves complex procedures, and it can take a minimum of six months to achieve visible results. Follow your dentist’s recommendations and keep up with these self-care habits to ensure consistent progress.
1. Go to every required dental visit.
Regular checkups can help you and your dentist track how much headway you’re making. Your dentist can also perform professional teeth cleaning for hard-to-reach areas.
2. Wear the orthodontic appliance religiously.
Stick to your dentist’s prescribed hours when wearing removable aligners. Staying on track with your timeframe prevents your teeth from moving or shifting back to the wrong position. Otherwise, you may need to come in for another fitting (and spend extra!) to get a new device.
3. Brush and floss your teeth daily and correctly.
The rule of thumb is to brush twice a day and floss daily. But if you wear an orthodontic device, it’s best to perform those tasks after every meal. Ask your dentist about oral hygiene tools you can invest in for more effective cleaning during treatment.
4. Check with a doctor about your mouth breathing.
Mouth breathing is indicative of underlying causes like a sleep disorder or nasal blockage. For instance, an open bite can aggravate mouth breathing further because it impedes saliva production. A dry mouth encourages bacteria overgrowth that can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Your doctor may recommend you see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor or respiratory specialist.
5. Eat well and drink plenty of water.
Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables with the proper food preparation techniques. Go for soups, smoothies, soft dairy and vegetables, and tender meat. Avoid sugar-laden foods and drinks that can increase your risk of cavities. Drink plenty of water to help loosen any food particles from the teeth.
Can you prevent malocclusion?
Teeth misalignment can have numerous causes, but genetics (which affects teeth and jaw size) can make it hard to prevent. But some measures help lower the risk, especially among children – a hopeful note for parents. Oral habits, like thumb-sucking, dummy use, or tongue thrusting can lead to overlapping teeth or open bites. If you have a child, bring them to the dentist once their first tooth appears to identify any potential issues early.
When left untreated, misaligned teeth can make you more susceptible to cavities and tooth cracks that may lead to tooth abscesses. However, your quality of life will significantly improve if you seek treatment. If any of the signs and symptoms listed here ring true for you, set an appointment with your dentist ASAP. Give yourself a fighting chance against the risks of malocclusion.
References:
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