“Malocclusion” is the clinical term for teeth misalignment: one of the most prevalent oral health problems worldwide. Crookedness, bad bites, and other misalignment issues can lead to complications when you don’t address them with proper treatment. Learn to manage malocclusions and lessen their negative impact on your daily life, mental health, and self-confidence.
Types of Malocclusions
According to Orthodontics Australia, 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:
- Overcrowding: The lack of space causes the front teeth to overlap or become crooked.
- Crossbite: The upper front teeth fall behind the bottom row of the teeth. It can affect the front or back teeth.
- Overjet: The top front teeth jut forward 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.
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! 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 and floss twice a day. 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.
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, pacifier 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 oral health provider stat. Give yourself a fighting chance against the risks of malocclusion.
References:
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