Understanding Malocclusion: Causes, Types, And Effective Treatment Options

Misaligned jaws and teeth, or malocclusion, can have a major impact on one's quality of life and dental health. The causes of malocclusion, treatment methods, and their effects on oral health should be understood by dental patients. This blog will discuss what malocclusion is and explain how Caspersmile provides cutting-edge orthodontic treatments to help patients get a healthier smile.

What is malocclusion?

The improper position of teeth and jaws creates health problems and negatively impacts daily life. The problem appears early in children but becomes more severe if patients don't seek help.

More than just cosmetic issues, malocclusion can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and even digestive problems from improper chewing. Knowing how this affects you leads to the right treatment choice.

Types of malocclusion

Malocclusion can be classified into three main types, each with unique characteristics and treatment approaches

Class I malocclusion

• The bite appears normal even though the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth.

• Issues include crowded teeth, gaps, or crooked teeth.

• Treatment requires traditional braces or clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth.

Class II malocclusion (Overbite)

• A dental condition in which the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth is also known as retrognathism or overbite.

• The teeth that stick out make it hard to seal the lips and can lead to speech impairment.

• The treatment plan can include braces and headgear, or in severe cases, surgery to correct jaw alignment problems.

Class III malocclusion (Underbite)

• Also called prognathism it happens when the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth.

• Speaking and eating can be challenging with this type, which frequently alters facial aesthetics.

• Braces, clear aligners, or surgery for more serious cases are available as forms of treatment.

Causes of malocclusion

Genetic factors

• Dental problems in family members increase the risk of developing malocclusion.

• Your natural jaw structure and size stand out as vital contributors.

Childhood habits

• Long-term thumb-sucking, continuous use of pacifiers, and bottle feeding as a child increase the chance of misaligned teeth.

• These behaviors may cause the teeth to erupt, leading to overbite or other alignment issues.

Injuries

• Injuries to the face and jaw can change the position of teeth and cause bite problems.

• Tooth loss or injuries from accidents can create spacing problems in the jaw.

Jaw development issues

• Jaw growth irregularities in childhood development often cause misaligned teeth later.

• Conditions such as cleft lip and palate are associated with malocclusion.

Symptoms and effects of malocclusion

The following are some of the reasons why you need to treat your malocclusion:

Difficulty in chewing

• A misaligned teeth pattern makes it harder to bite or chew food. If your teeth do not come together perfectly, you might not chew the food properly, which can cause digestion problems.

Jaw pain

• Misaligned teeth can place undue stress on the jaw, leading to discomfort or even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This condition affects the joints on either side of the face, causing chronic pain and difficulty in movement.

Speech Complications

• Certain types of dental misalignment of the teeth prevent the pronunciation of certain words. Therefore, treat your misalignment and say goodbye to speech difficulty.

Treatment options

Braces

Braces offer the most reliable treatment for various types of malocclusion. Metal braces consist of brackets and wires that slowly move teeth into their proper position. Those looking for less visible orthodontic treatment options can opt for ceramic in which the brackets used are tooth-coloured or lingual braces, which attach to the back surfaces of teeth.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are custom-made plastic trays designed to fit the unique contours of your smile. Unlike metal braces, they are invisible and offer a discreet appearance. Clear aligners are customized according to your smile which makes them comfortable.

Each set of clear aligners is worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. Clear aligners offer complete treatment in just 4 to 6 months.

Teeth straightening surgery

Teeth straightening surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a way to treat severe malocclusions by repositioning the jaw bone. This is one of the most expensive options when it comes to teeth straightening. It fixes skeleton deformities and aligns the jaw to bring them to the correct position. Teeth straightening surgery also enhances a person's facial features.

Early intervention options

Early treatments, such as space maintainers or palatal expanders, can help children grow their jaws and align their teeth. Early orthodontic evaluations can help prevent the development of severe malocclusion, making treatment easier and more successful.

The importance of early diagnosis

Finding malocclusion at an early stage helps doctors treat it sooner for better patient care. Orthodontists suggest scheduling an orthodontic cheque-up when children turn seven years old. Early diagnosis can:

• Finding problems early allows us to treat them with simpler methods.

• Take action to correct mild dental problems before they grow into major issues.

• A better-looking smile helps childern feel better about themselves.

How Caspersmile can help?

Customized clear aligners

Caspersmile creates personalized invisible aligners to fix different types of malocclusions.

Affordable and convenient

At-home orthodontic treatment from Caspersmile makes dental care more accessible reachable and financially sustainable.

Monitoring and support

Our dental experts monitor your progress and adjustment through scheduled virtual visits online.

Post-treatment care

Caspersmile provides retainers to help patients keep their teeth in their new position after treatment.

Recap

Proper oral health care treatments are available to help people with improper tooth alignment achieve better dental health and improved quality of life. Caspersmile enables skilled dental professionals to treat and address all types of malocclusion. Our dental team offers complete treatment solutions such as traditional braces, clear aligners, and early orthodontic care to help you achieve a healthier and more confident smile. Make your first appointment with Caspersmile to start your path toward preferred dental well-being.

FAQs

What is the most common cause of malocclusion?

The primary cause is genetics, but environmental variables, such as childhood habits.

How can I tell if my child needs orthodontic treatment?

Signs include tooth misalignment, speech problems, or trouble chewing.

What are the advantages of clear aligners over traditional braces?

A modern substitute for traditional braces, clear aligners are more comfortable, discrete, and removable.

Are there non-surgical options for severe malocclusion?

Some dental issues need surgical treatment such as braces or aligners to reach the best possible correction.

References

Zimmerman B, Shumway KR, Jenzer AC. Physiology, Tooth https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538475/. 2022 Apr 14. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Accessed 10/12/2022.
Grauer D. Quality in orthodontics: The role of customized appliances https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33410248/. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2021 Jan;33(1):253-258. Accessed 10/12/2022.
Shotell MD. The Proliferation of Clear Aligner Orthodontics: Workflows, Materials, and Designs https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32551717/. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2020 Jun;41(6):340-341. Accessed 10/12/2022.