Dental Malocclusion
Malocclusion is the irregular contact between the teeth lower and higher.
A proper bite is one that allows the upper teeth are accommodated as well with the teeth of lower jaw, this position can chew food, to articulate the words and gives the face a smoother appearance.
Malocclusion is usually caused by crowded teeth, crossbite, overbite, and beatings and even bad habits like thumb sucking.
Malocclusion can cause problems with biting, gum tissue, jaw joint, speech development and appearance of the person.
Many types of malocclusion are not preventable, however, is the physician specialist orthodontist can determine if it can fix and what would be the appropriate treatment.
There is no cause malocclusion problem fixed, since it involves many different factors including genetic and environmental, some of them are:
- Thumb sucking after age 5.
- Have a little space between the primary or baby teeth, which cause problems when the permanent teeth erupt.
The malocclusion is diagnosed by physical examination of the mouth and the application of X-rays to view internal tissues and bones and the making of plaster casts that allow the dentist to simulate the bite of the person, usually a child or girl.
Symptoms that may indicate a malocclusion include:
- Visible crooked teeth, turned or above, indicating a lack of space between them.
- Jaw clearly protruding from the other.
- Outbreak of teeth or supernumerary teeth, ie, which have left more than it should be.
Among the treatments and depending on each case, will be held:
- Extraction of teeth.
- Placement of oral devices, removable or fixed.
- In extreme cases, can be reached jaw surgery, orthognathic called when the bones are involved in the malocclusion. This is done by a maxillofacial surgeon.